New Delhi, March 21 -- Average cinegoers have often griped about expensive tickets at multiplexes, deterring them from enjoying movies at the theatres more frequently. Some trade analysts, too, have blamed steep ticket prices as one of the reasons for many films failing at the box office.

The Karnataka government has sought to provide relief to audiences by announcing a cap on movie tickets at Rs.200. But the move could prove to be a double-edged sword, experts warned.

Sure, the ticket price ceiling could lure more audiences to smaller and regional language films which often struggle due to high rates. But at the same time, multiplex chains could face a severe stress to business that is already ailing, with the cap particularly impactin...