Seat restrictions: Film producers in Karnataka not to release new films till Jan 2021

News Network

October 31, 2020

Bengaluru, Oct 31: The Karnataka Film Exhibitors Federation members have decided not to release new films till January due to seat restrictions by the State government due to Covid threat in the State.

For most of the new releases, over-the-top (OTT) platforms have become the preferred choice ever since the lockdown in March 2020. On the other hand, theatres had been gearing up for reruns of old movies.

After a meeting of film exhibitors from the region, Federation Chairman R R Odugoudar told reporters that many Producers have expressed their unwillingness to release big-ticket movies till January 2021 though the government had given its nod to reopen theatres with restrictions and by following standard operating procedures as per the Unlock 5.0 guidelines.

"Producers are saying that they won’t release films till January 2021. In such circumstances, exhibitors have also decided to not open theatres till January as it will only bleed us," he said.

The exhibitors further said that since the last six months they were facing severe challenges and most of their requests and demands were placed before the government and producers were not fulfilled.

"The State Government has increased the licence renewal fee for cinema theatres by nearly 2,250 per cent. As per the old structure, Rs 1,000 was collected for every 100 sq mt for 3 years. But now, this has been increased to Rs 4,500 per 100 sq mt per year," Odugoudar said.

"Do away with trade licences for theatres. Besides, we have been demanding the government levy electricity charges at industrial instead of commercial rates and permit us to collect service charge at 5 per cent on net rate of tickets for non-AC theatres and at 10 per cent for AC ones, but our demands have not been addressed," said Odugoudar.

Presently, service charge is Rs 2 for non AC theatres and Rs 3 for AC theatres.

Referring to the varying property tax rates on cinema theatres under different civic bodies, the exhibitors have sought uniform rates across the state and doing away with trade licences for theatres. They also said that producers must agree to change the existing business module of fixed weekly payments to a percentage- based module.

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Mangaluru: Young medical store owner killed as lorry hits his motorbike

News Network

January 7,2025

Mangaluru: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a young medical store owner on Monday, January 6, near Tiblapadavu, Natekallu, located on the outskirts of the city.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Ausaf, was the proprietor of Hajira Medicals and the son of Jaleel, a resident of Derlakatte.

The unfortunate incident unfolded as Ausaf was riding his bike from Derlakatte toward Tiblapadavu. Upon approaching a divider near Tiblapadavu, a lorry made a sudden turn, resulting in a collision between the motorbike and the rear of the lorry. Ausaf succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Having completed his education a few years ago, Ausaf had taken up the responsibility of managing Hajira Medicals at Derlakatte Junction. He was well-known in his community for his dedication and service.

Authorities at the Mangaluru South Traffic Police Station have registered a case, and CCTV footage capturing the incident is under review. The tragic loss has left the local community in shock, mourning the untimely demise of a promising young entrepreneur.

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6 fake ED officials swindle Rs 30 lakh from businessman in Dakshina Kannada

News Network

January 4,2025

Mangaluru: In a shocking case of fraud, six individuals posing as officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) swindled a beedi businessman of Rs 25 to 30 lakh in cash and five mobile phones at Kolnad in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada on Friday night.

The incident came to light after Mohammed Iqbal, 27, lodged a complaint with the police, stating that his father, a beedi trader, was targeted by the imposters.

According to the complaint, the six accused arrived at the businessman’s residence around 8:10 pm in a car with Tamil Nadu registration plates. Claiming to be ED officials, they announced that they had orders to search the house and began confiscating mobile phones from the family members.

The fraudsters reportedly discovered Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh in cash, which the businessman had kept aside for business purposes. They claimed that keeping such a large amount was illegal and threatened to arrest him unless he complied. By 10:30 pm, the group left the house, instructing the businessman to submit documents at the ED office in Bengaluru to reclaim the money.

Later, upon discussing the incident with his family, Iqbal realized that the individuals were not ED officials but fraudsters who had impersonated authorities to rob them.

A case has been registered at Vittal Police Station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. An investigation is underway, and the police have promised swift action to apprehend the culprits.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Yathish N, along with senior officers, visited the crime scene and assured the family that the perpetrators would be brought to justice at the earliest.

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