Karnataka Government unveils major reforms to boost Kannada film industry and digital heritage

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announces digital and infrastructural initiatives, including ‘Cine Mitra’, Mysuru Film City expansion, subsidies, and heritage preservation projects to make Karnataka a global filmmaking hub.

In a decisive move to position Karnataka as a global center for filmmaking, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday unveiled a set of comprehensive reforms for the Kannada film industry as part of the 2026-27 state budget. The initiatives focus on streamlining production processes, developing infrastructure, supporting filmmakers financially, and preserving the state’s cinematic and historical legacy.

One of the central steps is the launch of ‘Cine Mitra’, a single-window online platform designed to eliminate delays in film approvals. Cine Mitra integrates permissions from multiple government departments, including police, civic bodies, and forest authorities, under a single digital interface, providing filmmakers with a faster and more efficient process.

To further facilitate production planning, the government will create the Karnataka Film Location Digital Map at an estimated cost of ₹1 crore. This interactive digital map will serve as a directory for production houses, featuring tourist attractions, historical monuments, and lesser-known scenic locations across the state, making location scouting simpler and more accessible.

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Preserving Karnataka’s cinematic heritage is another key focus. The residence of the legendary filmmaker Puttanna Kanagal will be transformed into a museum, showcasing memorabilia and celebrating his contribution to Kannada cinema.

The ambitious Mysuru Film City project, initially budgeted at ₹500 crore, has received revised administrative approval. The new blueprint includes the addition of a theme park, star hotels, and restaurants to attract tourists and create a holistic entertainment hub.

Addressing financial concerns, Siddaramaiah confirmed that pending subsidies for quality Kannada movies, previously discontinued, will now be cleared. An additional ₹20 crore has been allocated to cover subsidies for films selected over three years in 2025-26, ensuring timely financial support for producers.

In a bid to preserve state history and make it accessible to the public, the government will launch the ‘Digital Drishya Karnataka’ project with an allocation of ₹5 crore. The platform will digitize photographs and video documentaries maintained by the Information Department, enabling researchers and the general public to access Karnataka’s rich cultural archive online.