Karnataka's 2% cess on movie tickets draws MAI call for rollback

The Karnataka government recently introduced a 2% cess on the sale of movie tickets, which is levied over and above the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST). This additional charge applies to all ticket sales across the state. The Multiplex Association of India (MAI), representing multiplex operators nationwide, has expressed strong opposition to the cess. MAI argues that the extra burden increases costs for both exhibitors and moviegoers, terming the move unfair. The association has urged the Karnataka administration, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, to immediately roll back the cess to prevent adverse impact on the film exhibition sector.