Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has stayed, until further orders, the implementation of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which capped movie ticket prices at Rs. 200.

Justice Ravi V. Hosmani passed the interim order on petitions filed by multiplex owners and movie producers challenging the State Government’s decision.

During hearings, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), represented by Senior Advocate Udaya Holla, argued that the Rs. 200 cap on film ticket prices was arbitrary. He contended that if customers wished to pay more for luxury cinema experiences, they should have that choice. Film exhibitors should have the freedom to set prices for offering such luxury services, he added.

He also recounted that a similar State-imposed cap on movie ticket prices from 7 years ago was withdrawn after it was challenged in Court. Holla submitted that such a cap on movie ticket prices would severely affect the business of theatre owners.

The petitioners contended that the cap on ticket prices could significantly impact the industry’s revenue, especially multiplexes, which rely on flexible pricing to balance operational costs.