**Karnataka’s Bold Move: A State-Run OTT Platform and Film Industry Boost**

In a groundbreaking announcement during his state Budget speech, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled ambitious plans to create a state-run OTT platform exclusively for Kannada cinema. This strategic initiative comes in response to mounting concerns from some of the state’s most prominent actor-producers, such as Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty, who have voiced their frustration over the difficulties faced by Kannada films in securing releases on major national streaming platforms. The new OTT platform is expected to provide a dedicated space for Kannada-language films, offering filmmakers an alternative platform to showcase their work and helping to bring regional cinema to a wider audience.

The Karnataka government’s decision to launch a state-run OTT platform is part of a broader effort to address the challenges faced by the Kannada film industry. For years, regional films have often struggled to secure distribution deals with national streaming giants, leaving many high-quality Kannada films with limited exposure. By creating its own platform, the state will ensure that Kannada films get the recognition they deserve and have a direct route to audiences. This move will not only help promote Kannada cinema but also ensure that the local film industry remains competitive in an increasingly digital and global entertainment landscape.

Alongside the launch of the OTT platform, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would allocate Rs 3 crore to establish a comprehensive repository of Kannada films. This repository will house films in both digital and non-digital formats, enabling the state to preserve a vast collection of cinematic works that are reflective of Karnataka’s rich cultural, historical, and social values. The preservation of these films is crucial to maintaining the legacy of the state’s cinema, which often highlights unique aspects of Karnataka’s diverse society and traditions. With this initiative, the government is making a proactive effort to protect and conserve a treasure trove of films that could otherwise be lost over time due to the rapid technological advancements in the film industry.

The preservation project will not only focus on the films themselves but will also make them accessible to researchers, students, and cinephiles. This digital archive will serve as a valuable resource for future generations who wish to explore and learn from the state’s cinematic history. In addition, the preservation of these films will help shine a light on regional stories that may not always get the attention they deserve on national platforms, ensuring that the cultural richness of Karnataka is celebrated and remembered.

To further bolster the Kannada film industry, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the cinema sector would be granted official industry status. This move is significant, as it will provide filmmakers in the state with the same benefits and facilities offered under the state’s Industrial Policy. The recognition of cinema as an official industry will open the door for filmmakers to access various government incentives and schemes designed to support businesses and industries. This includes tax breaks, subsidies, and funding opportunities that will make it easier for filmmakers to produce, distribute, and market their films.

By giving the film industry the status it deserves, the Karnataka government is not only recognizing the economic potential of the sector but also acknowledging the importance of cinema in shaping the state’s identity. This policy change is expected to provide filmmakers with the support they need to create more ambitious, high-quality films that can compete on both a national and international stage. Additionally, the support for filmmakers is expected to encourage the growth of related industries, such as film production, post-production, distribution, and exhibition, creating new jobs and boosting the local economy.

In an effort to make cinema more accessible and affordable for the public, the Chief Minister also announced a new policy aimed at capping the price of movie tickets in the state. Under this new initiative, movie tickets for all films, regardless of language, will be capped at Rs 200 across all theatres and multiplexes in Karnataka. This move is intended to make cinema more affordable for people from all walks of life, especially in a time when the cost of living is rising. The price cap is expected to encourage more people to visit theatres, increasing footfall and revitalizing the cinema-going experience.

The affordable ticket prices are likely to resonate with a wide demographic, including students, working professionals, and families, who may find the cost of movie tickets prohibitive. By lowering ticket prices, the Karnataka government aims to make cinema more inclusive and ensure that the public has access to the latest films without financial barriers. The policy is also expected to benefit the film industry by encouraging more people to watch films in theatres, which in turn can boost box office revenues and support the sustainability of the industry as a whole.

In addition to these significant policy changes, the government has ambitious infrastructure plans aimed at transforming Karnataka into a hub for film production and entertainment. The most notable of these is the development of a multiplex complex in Bengaluru under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This multiplex complex, which will be situated on a 2.5-acre plot of land owned by the Karnataka Film Academy in Nandini Layout, is expected to provide state-of-the-art facilities for film screenings, including multiple screens, high-definition projectors, and comfortable seating. The multiplex will not only enhance the city’s entertainment infrastructure but also serve as a venue for Kannada and other regional language films to reach a wider audience.

In an even more ambitious move, the Karnataka government has announced plans to develop an international Film City in Mysuru. The government has already transferred 150 acres of land to the Department of Information and Public Relations for the project, which will be developed at a cost of Rs 500 crore, also under the PPP model. The Mysuru Film City is envisioned as a world-class facility that will cater to the needs of both national and international filmmakers. With a range of amenities for film production, post-production, and distribution, the Film City will offer the infrastructure needed to bring large-scale film projects to life.

The Mysuru Film City will also play a significant role in attracting global attention to Karnataka as a destination for film production. The facility is expected to provide filmmakers with access to world-class sound stages, shooting locations, editing suites, and production offices, creating a one-stop-shop for filmmakers looking to produce films in Karnataka. In addition to attracting international filmmakers, the Film City is also expected to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, in various sectors such as construction, hospitality, and entertainment.

These infrastructure developments, coupled with the government’s new initiatives, are set to transform Karnataka into a major player in India’s film industry. The state’s focus on both the preservation of its cinematic heritage and the development of modern film production facilities is positioning it for long-term growth and success. The combination of a state-run OTT platform, affordable movie tickets, industry status for filmmakers, and the development of world-class infrastructure makes Karnataka an attractive destination for filmmakers from across the country and around the world.

In conclusion, the announcements made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his budget speech mark a significant turning point for Karnataka’s film industry. With the support of the state government, Kannada cinema is poised to thrive like never before. From the preservation of films to the creation of new infrastructure and the development of a state-run OTT platform, these initiatives will not only elevate Kannada cinema but also ensure that it plays a prominent role in shaping India’s entertainment landscape in the years to come. With the government’s focus on supporting filmmakers and making cinema more accessible to the public, the future of Kannada cinema looks brighter than ever.

Author: Kashish Ghosh