In July 2016, the Karnataka government had decided to allot funds exclusively for Janata Theatres, which would screen Kannada films only. After months of stalling, the state government, on Friday, finally issued a formal order was issued to for allotting an amount ranging between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 1 crore for the theatres, depending on the number of screens in each theatre, the Bangalore Mirror reported.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the scheme, which is similar to Tamil Nadu’s Amma Theatres, during the 2016-17 budget speech.
The new order will be applicable to both upcoming theatres and existing ones that would be converted into Janata Theatres, the report said.
The order states that new single-screen theatres will be allotted Rs 50 lakh, while new multiplexes will be granted Rs 50 lakh per screen and assistance will be provided for a maximum of two screens.
Besides, if owners of existing theatres want to convert their establishments into Janata Theatres, they will also be sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for each screen excluding the existing screen, the report said.
The single screen theatres will have a capacity of 200 seats, while the theatres with multiple screens will have a minimum of 150 seats, the Mirror report says
The theatres that will be built newly would have the latest equipment and an NOC must be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner, it adds.
These theatres can be built on private land, contract land or on a joint property ownership, the report states.
Once the assistance is received, these theatres will have to screen only Kannada films and if this order is violated, the theatre owner will have to refund the assistance, along with a certain rate of interest, the report says.