CM Shivakumar Assures Kannada Film Industry of New Policy, Subsidy Review
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday assured Kannada film industry representatives that the government will hold talks on introducing a new film policy, increasing subsidies, creating a film archive and starting the process for this year’s state film awards. He also said that steps will be taken to release the funds announced for the proposed film city after consultation with Finance Ministry officials.
The CM made this statement in a meeting with a delegation from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) led by President Jayamala.
The delegation presented a memorandum to Shivakumar seeking government support for the survival and growth of the Kannada film industry.
In a statement, the CMO said its key demands include a comprehensive new film policy, a government-run OTT platform, increased financial assistance, amendments to the Cinematograph Act, support for upgrading single-screen cinema halls, establishment of a film archive and allocation of five acres of BDA land for housing projects for film industry members.
Responding positively to the demands, the Prime Minister said that the government would explore ways to expand support to the sector.
“Assured that discussions will be held on introducing a new film policy, increasing subsidies, creating a film archive, initiating the process for this year’s state film awards and taking steps to release funds announced for the proposed film city after consulting the Additional Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Finance,” the statement said.
Regarding the request for land tender allocation from Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the CM said the government will explore options to provide assistance.
According to the memorandum, the current Karnataka Film Policy, formulated in 2011, is still in force despite major technological changes that have taken place in the last 15 years.
He suggested that the new policy should address OTT and digital distribution, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, protection of the Kannada film industry, support for small-budget films, protection of cinema halls, welfare of artists and film workers, film education and archiving, and expansion into global markets.
Noting that more than 250 Kannada films are released every year but many multinational OTT platforms do not acquire low-budget Kannada films, Oda suggested that the government launch its own OTT platform to support Kannada cinema.
Stating that the number of movie theaters in Karnataka decreased from 1,200 to 400, the chamber asked for incentives for the construction of new movie theaters in urban areas and rural areas, tax advantages and infrastructure support.
In addition to loans with 4 percent interest, help was also requested for the renovation and modernization of old single-screen movie theaters.
Although the government announced Rs 3 crore in the 2025-26 budget for film archiving, no work has started; The chamber stated that more than 3,000 Kannada films shot on celluloid between 1934 and 2010 need to be preserved and many rare films have already been spoiled.
The Chamber demanded that all pending State Film Awards starting from 2022 be completed as soon as possible. The awards will be presented annually starting from 2026, preferably with legendary actor Dr. It should be given on April 24, the birth anniversary of Rajkumar.
They also urged the government to lay the foundation stone for the proposed Film City in Mysuru and release the previously announced Rs 500 crore allocation.
The memorandum stated that Hombale Films is willing to build affordable housing apartments for producers, distributors and exhibitors.
He requested the government to allocate five acres of BDA land to facilitate this project.
