Chief Minister H D Kuumaraswamy is all set to be honored by Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce in Hotel Lalith Ashok today evening.

H D Kumaraswamy was one of the major producer, distributor and exhibitor before joining politics. Even now also Kumaraswamy is into production and is producing 'Seetharama Kalyana' in his Chennambika Films banner.

The honor function will be presided by actor turned politician Ambarish. B Sarojadevi, actress-Minister Jayamala, producers C R Manohar and S V Babu will be the chief guests of the evening. Many artistes and technicians are expected to be a part of this function.

Representatives of the Kannada and Tamil film industries are holding an important meeting at 3 pm today to decide on the issue of DSPs. The Telugu film industry which was part of the protest against the digital service providers has made a private deal with them and withdrawn. But the Kannada and Tamil industries are gearing up to intensify the protest. There are talks about completely shutting down film activities from next week. 

Vishal is arriving as the chief representative of the Tamil industry for the talks. Screening of new films have stopped in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu since last week. There are several speculations that is happening. If the DSPs do not agree to reduce their monopolistic prices to normal levels the film industries may think of starting their own DSP. 

From March 16 the entire film activities including shooting is coming to a stop in Tamil Nadu. The same may happen in Karnataka. Screening of all films may also stop. All this will be decided in the meeting today. The DSPs however are not attending the meeting which is a dampener on the prospects of any solution.

Dr Rajakumar's 88th birthday was celebrated in style on Suday with many fans of Dr Rajakumar visiting the Dr Rajakumar Memorial in Kanteerava Studio in Bangalore. As usual many health related camps were organised at the Kanteerava Studio campus. Parvathamma Rajakumar, Shivarajakumar, Raghavendra Rajakumar, Vinay Rajakumar and others visited the memorial and offered pujas and celebrated DrRajakumar's 88th birthday with his fans.

Not only at the Memorial in Bangalore, but fans associations of Dr Rajakumar celebrated his birthday across Karnataka with various activities.

Indian Icon Dr Rajkumar's Birthday was celebrated today morning at KFCC. KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu garlanded Rajkumar's statue and all the officer bearers and members did pooja for Raj statue. 

KFCC secretary MG Ramamurthy, NM Suresh, past presidents KV Guptha, Thomas Dsouza along with Narasimhalu, KM Veeresh, Ramesh Yadav, Anchehalli Shivakumar, Akshay Gangadhar and others were there during Rajkumar birthday celebration

The premier body of Karnataka Film Industry, a.k.a Sandalwood - Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce turns 75 this year. On the occasion of its platinum jubilee, the Chamber is launching an emblem to mark the glorious years between 1944 and 2020.

The chamber came into existence since pre-independence is launching a specially designed emblem to mark the platinum jubilee.

Mr. Basavaraj Bommai, Home Minister will be launching the emblem on March 8, Sunday at a grand event to be held at 11.30 am in Karnataka Chalanchitra Kalavidhara Sangha in Chamrajpet.

The event will graced by the who's who of Kannada film industry including Dr. Shivarajkumar, V. Ravichandran, Kumar Bangarappa, MLA, KFCC president D R Jairaj, Actor-politician Jaggesh, Upendra, Ganesh, Former KFCC president Sa Ra Govind, Dr. Jayamala, Doddanna, Tara and others.

The election to the Karnataka film Chamber of Commerce will be held on June 26. Currently Sa Ra Govindu is the president of KFCC. The election will be held for the post of president and other office bearers and also for the executive committee members.

The post of president is rotated amount the producers distributors and exhibitors. This year the post of president will go to the distributor sector. According to sources NM Suresh is the front runner to become the president this time. 

It was a pleasant surprise for K M Veeresh editor of Chitraloka in the KFCC executive committee meeting on Friday evening. K M Veeresh is a producer member in the KFCC executive committee and was attending the meeting on Friday. 

In the middle of the meeting all of a sudden producer Umesh Banakar announced the anniversary of Chitraloka.com! KFCC president Thomas D'souza, Dr Jayamala, KV Chandrashekar, B Vjayakumar, HD Gangaraju, Pramila Josai and other EC members honoured KM Veeresh.

Dr Jayamala took permission and spoke about Veeresh and Chitraloka. She said Chitraloka is doing a fantastic job and is supporting Kannada film industry. "We should all support him in all ways and KFCC should take initiative to get him film advertisements. We should also talk to the government and get him support", she said.

KV Chandrashekar said "Veeresh is humble from day one till date. Before starting Chitraloka he was taking photos and started Chitraloka when many did not know about internet."

KFCC president Thomas Dsouza said all support will be extended to Chitraloka.

Chitraloka Editor KM Veeresh is also a Executive committee member of the KFCC

The Kannada film industry today met DCM Dr Ashwathnarayana at Vidhana soudha today and had a long interaction regarding the industry crisis.

In the meeting there was a discussion regarding the film city, re opening of theater, exhibitors problems, piracy and other subjects.

After listing all, DCM Dr Ashwathanarayana told the delegation that their first priority will be launching the film city very soon. Regarding the exhibitors problem DCM told that they will discuss with the finance department and will solve the problems which includes the electricity and maintenance charges which is coming huge during the covid lockdown. Regarding piracy problems DCM has told that they will set up anti piracy squad with the cyber cell and instructed information department director Dr Harsha to follow it up immediately. 

Major point discussed was allotting the houses to the film industry persons who are in very much need and they should meet the guidelines which will be set up soon.

The delegation included KFCC president D R Jairaj and office bearers along with Ex- presidents KV Chandrashekar, Sa Ra Govindu, Thomas Dsouza SA Chinnegowdaa and others. Actress Thara Anooradha and Rajendra Singh Babu also chaired in the meeting.

KFPA president DK Ramakrishna along with his office bearers attends the meeting.

The Kannnada film industry delegation headed by Shivarajakumar on Wednesday met Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and submitted a memorandum about the various problems faced by the industry.

The delegation requested an immediate solution for problems of the Kannada film industry including reopening of theaters, package to industry workers who have been seriously affected by lockdown, film city and other issues. The Chief Minister is said to have agreed to look into these issues and solve them soon.

The delegation included Shivarajakumar, Yash, Tara, 'Duniya' Vijay, Sadhu Kokila, Rockline Venkatesh, KFCC president Jairaj, former president Sa Ra Govindu and others.

The Karnataka Film Exhibitors Association delegation represented by its vice president Thomas D'Souza, its secretary R Sundar Raj, KFCC president D R Jairaj,  K C Ashok and others, met Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Revenue Minister R Ashok, Agriculture Minister B C Patil on Friday pleading for State Government's intervention by providing necessary relief and compensation to the losses incurred by the theatres in the State due to lockdown following Coronavirus pandemic outbreak.

The Association states that the number of single screen theatres which once stood at 1200 in the 80s has come down to 600 and further 150 more expected to be shut in the coming days due to the influence of Netflix, Amazon, OTT and similar such services.

It says that there are at least 8000 permanent employees working in 600 theatres but no relief or compensation has been announced so far for them or for the exhibitors to cover their losses due to nationwide lockdown and Coronavirus outbreak.

While pressing for relief, the association seeks government to release aid to the employees working in theatres since the exhibitors are in no stage to pay them in these difficult times.

Also, the association seeks relaxation in the minimum demand payment towards electricity bill and water and sanitation department. Further, the exhibitors urge for discount for payment of property tax for the year, and permission to collect Rs.5 per ticket without any tax towards maintenance of theatres.

The association which submitted its representations says that the State Government has assured to look into their requisition.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce is donating Rs 25 lakhs as drought relief to the Chief Minister's relief fund. On Saturday films artists will be meeting to discuss ways to raise funds for drought relief. Earlier this week actor Yash started supplying drinking water to two villages in north Karnataka through his Yashomarga charitable trust.

Sources said the producer of Puneeth's Chakravyuha Lohith has raised the ticket price by Rs 10 for Sunday's shows.  The excess collection amount will be given to the CM relief fund. According to the calculation it may collect Rs 50 lakhs extra. Apart from this the producer of the movie Lohith is donating Rs 3 lakhs personally to the CM relief fund

The Kannada film industry led by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce will felicitate Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for extending support to the industry. The gala function is scheduled for May 26. In the last four years the Siddaramaiah dispensation has extended many facilities and introduced many policies sought by the induatry. This is not the first time a Chief Minister is being felicitated by the KFCC in a public function. Earlier then Chief ministers HD Kumaraswamy and BS Yeddyrurappa have been honoured by the industry for their help and support. 

HDK was a film producer before becoming a politician and CM which endeared him to the industry. BSY was a film buff who watched films regularly with his family and reciprocated to the wishes of the film industry. Suddaramaiah does not watch films like BSY or is connected to the industry like HDK. But as CM he has extended the government support in his own way and met most of the requests and help sought. A small example is how he cleared medical help for ailing director RT Raghu within a day. 

Even in government policy Siddaramaiah has been very liberal to the film industry. The Dr Rajkumar memorial was completed and inaugurated by him. Despite many court cases he managed to start the construction of the memorial for Dr Vishnuvardhan. For several decades the request for a film city was pending. The work has now started in Mysuru in a 100 acre plot. 

The biggest contribution came in the budget this month. The ticket prices for films have been capped at Rs 200. The benefit fund for films has been increased to Rs 10 crore from Rs 1 crore. The proceeds from this fund will be used to help film personalities and their families in financial need due to health and other problems. 

KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu has taken the lead in the felicitation programme. Last time such a felicitation was held for BS Yeddyrurappa, actor-director Ramesh Aravind directed the programme.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has arrived a temporary solution for the digital service providers problem and has given a green signal for the producers to release their films. With the green signal from the KFCC, three Kannada films including 'Dandupalya 3', 'Idam Premam Jeevanam' and 'Nanagishta' is all set to release on the 16th of March.

The war between the KFCC and the UFO and CUBE regarding the price reduction issue has been going on for some weeks and the meeting regarding this has failed. So, the KFCC had decided not to release any Kannada film from the 09th of March and there were no releases last Friday. There was a meeting between the KFCC and Tamil Nadu Film Producers Association on Saturday and it was decided not to release any Kannada films on 16th March also.

Now a temporary solution has been arrived and Kannada films are all set to release on the 16th of March.

Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharam has assured delegations of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce along with SIFCC, to resolve the concerns relating to the proposal to impose 10% TDS on the theatrical revenue that producers make on each film. 

The Union Minister said that they will think of a committee will be constituted which will also comprise of members from the film fraternity to examine the matter.

The Minister announced it after a delegation from both Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce led by its president Mr. Jairaj and the office bearers A Ganesh, NM Suresh EC member Roopa Iyer along with renowned filmmakers KCN Chandrashekar, Sa Ra Govindu, Rockline Venkatesh, Mandya MP and actress Mrs. Sumalatha Ambareesh and others met her in New Delhi. From SIFCC present Kataragadda Prasad, Kalyam, Ravi Kotarkar and others were present.

Previously, the delegation had also met Vice President of India Mr. Venkaiah Naidu at his Office in New Delhi. The delegation was invited by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Prahlad Joshi to discuss the proposal to impose 10% TDS on the theatrical revenue that producers make on each film.

The proposal which was made in the latest Union Budget, is in addition to the tax already paid by the producers on revenue from the sale of telecast rights to satellite TV and digital platforms.

KFCC had discussed expressing concern over the implementation of TDS. Film pundits feel that the TDS proposal is likely to hit the cash flows of the movie producers.

Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharam has assured Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) along with SIFCC, to resolve the concerns relating to the proposal to impose 10% TDS on the theatrical revenue that producers make on each film. 

The Union Minister said that a committee will be constituted which will also comprise of members from the film fraternity to examine and resolve the matter.

The Finance Minister announced it after a delegation from both KFCC led by its president Mr. Jairaj AND SIFCC and the office bearers along with renowned filmmaker Rockline Venkatesh, Mandya MP and actress Mrs. Sumalatha Ambareesh and others met her in New Delhi.

Previously, the delegation had also met Vice President of India Mr. Venkaiah Naidu at his Office in New Delhi. The delegation was recently invited by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Prahlad Joshi to discuss the proposal to impose 10% TDS on the theatrical revenue that producers make on each film.

The proposal which was made in the latest Union Budget, is in addition to the tax already paid by the producers on revenue from the sale of telecast rights to satellite TV and digital platforms.

Recently, KFCC President Jairaj, former president Sa Ra Govindu, KCN chandrashekar, secretary NM suresh, Vice President Naganna and Roopa Iyer met the Union Minister Mr. Prahlad Joshi in Bengaluru.

KFCC had discussed expressing concern over the implementation of TDS. Film pundits feel that the TDS proposal is likely to hit the cash flows of the movie producers.

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The Kannada Film Directors Association's free health camp organised for the film fraternity at the Gururaja Kalyana Mantapa was a huge success with many artistes and technicians actively participating in the health camp.

The health check up programmes were not for any specific department or association all all the workers across many associations participated in it. The Health camp was jointly organised by Lions Club of Bengaluru, Bengaluru Vaidyakiya Mahavidyalaya and Research Center, Institute of Nephro Urology, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedic Centre.

KANFIDFA president P H Vishwanath, KFCC president Thomas D'Souza and others were present at the occasion.

The general body of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has extended its support to Sa Ra Govindu and the existing office bearers and executive committee to continue in their term for one more year. The general body meeting was held today and everyone present supported Govindu and wanted his team to continue in office.

This is a big boost to Govindu who was elected as president in 2015. All the members present at the meeting unanimously opined that since there are many important works pending and underway it was better for the existing elected body to continue and finish the work instead of going in for another election at this point of time. 

Producer Krishnegowda registering Karnataka Dubbing Film Chamber of Commerce has become old news. The new news is that Girish Gowda who is the president of Sa Ra Govind Fans Association has decided to start a new organisation called Dubbing Viruddha Karnataka Chalanachitra Vanijya Mandali soon.

Girish Gowda who has been opposing dubbing culture in Karnataka has decided to start a new chamber against Krishnegowda's new chamber and has decided to register Karnataka Dubbing Viruddha Chalanachitra Vanijya Mandali soon.

Meanwhile, Vatal Nagaraj, Sara Govindu and other pro-Kannada activists have decided to protest against the Karnataka Dubbing Film Chamber of Commerce on Thursday near Mysore Bank Circle in Bangalore.

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Kambar Bats For Dubbing

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The Karnataka government has issued a Government Order on capping of film ticket prices in single screens and multiplexes at Rs 200. This was the budget promise made by chief minister Siddaramaiah in the Budget last month. More details of what exactly the Government Order says is awaited.

Two days ago the CM had said that the order would be passed in a day or two. He had also mentioned that along with the cap of ticket prices at Rs 200, there will also be an order regarding compulsory screening of Kannada films in prime time between 4 pm and 7 pm.

The KFCC, Karnataka Chalanchitra Academy and many other private individuals and film personalities had sought for the price cap. This year, the government heeded to the request of KFCC and KCA and made the announcement in Budget. Most theaters including single screen are charging heavy prices for tickets in Karnataka.

Compared to ticket prices in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh the ticket prices in Karnataka are very high. Even single screen ticket price in Karnataka is more than the ticket prices of multiplexes in Chennai and Hyderabad.

As per sources, the order has already been signed and the copy will be issued tomorrow with immediate effect.

Former Chief Minister and 'Jaguar' producer H D Kumaraswamy says he is very much upset about the plight of the Kannada producers and has urged the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Kannada Film Producers Association to take appropriate action to solve the problems of the producers.

Speaking during the success meet of 'Jaguar', 'new producers are paying Rs 50 thousand each to Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and Kannada Film Producers Association to register their banners. Yet they are not getting any security from both the associations. If they are not able to solve producers problems, then why are they taking money. Both the associations must take proper steps to protect the producers. Otherwise, I have to take action' said the former Chief Minister.

'Kannada films are facing stiff competition from other languages. The Kannada producers are not getting theaters to release the films. Even if they get theaters, they have to pay huge amount as advances to the theaters for running their films. 'Jaguar' is running successfully and in spite we are forced to let go off the theaters. If I face such problems, what will happen to small producer' says H D Kumaraswamy.