GECs
Entertainment tax scrapped for Karnataka multiplexes
BANGALORE: Tickets prices for films running in multiplexes are set to be lowered as the state government cabinet exempted them from the payment of entertainment tax on all films, including non-Kannada films for a period of three years.
The formula decided by the cabinet on Thursday exempts 100 per cent entertainment tax for the first three years followed by a 75 per cent exemption for the next two years. An important condition for the exemption is reservation of two screens for Kannada films – this is to placate the Kannada film industry which just recently had to eat crow when its demands for a twelve week moratorium which was later reduced to first seven weeks and later to three weeks from the date of first release of a non-Kannada film in its state of origin.
The government has also promised to pamper further during the next state budget the Kannada film industry which has been demanding a re-introduction of service charges.
At present all non-Kannada film tickets carry an entertainment tax of forty percent, while Kannada films are totally exempted from the payment of entertainment tax.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
