Karnataka to launch first state-sponsored OTT platform for Kannada films
What's the story
In a bid to boost the regional film industry, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a cap on movie ticket prices and the launch of a state-sponsored OTT platform. The announcement was made during his 16th budget speech on Friday. The move comes in response to concerns raised by Kannada actor-producers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty who struggled to find OTT platforms for their Kannada content.
Price cap
Movie ticket prices capped at ₹200 in Karnataka
Siddaramaiah also announced that all movie tickets in the state, including those at multiplexes, will now be capped at ₹200. The decision is expected to make cinema more accessible to a wider audience. The CM also revealed plans for a multiplex movie theater complex to be built through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on 2.5 acres owned by the Karnataka Film Academy in Nandini Layout.
OTT launch
State-sponsored OTT platform to promote Kannada films
The CM further announced the launch of a state-sponsored OTT platform dedicated to promoting Kannada movies. This decision stemmed from the difficulties faced by leading Kannada actor-producers in finding major OTT platforms for their content. Notably, Shetty's Paramvah Studio had to stream its Kannada web series Ekam on a custom platform in July 2024 due to these challenges.
Cultural preservation
Karnataka to preserve cultural heritage through film repository
Apart from the OTT platform, Siddaramaiah has also earmarked ₹3cr for establishing a repository of Kannada films, in digital and non-digital formats. This repository will preserve movies that showcase the state's rich social, historical, and cultural values. Notably, the CM stressed the need for a dedicated platform to support regional films during his budget speech.
Industry recognition
Cinema sector granted industry status; film city development planned
Addressing another demand of stakeholders, Siddaramaiah accorded the cinema sector the status of an industry. This makes it eligible for benefits under the Industrial Policy. Further, plans are afoot to set up an international-standard Film City in Mysuru at an estimated cost of ₹500cr. 150 acres have been allocated to the Department of Information and Public Relations for this project.