IHNS has been at the forefront of reporting about the tussle between national chains, namely PVR, Inox and Cinepolis and producers over payment of VPF (Virtual Print Fee). Last month, the industry suffered a shock after PVR Inox suspended advance booking of the much-awaited film. jolly llb 3starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, after its producers, Star Studio18, refused to pay VPF. Proceedings were stopped twice, just 12 hours before the first show was to begin. According to reports, the studio paid the VPF but made it clear that they were doing so under protest and that they would continue their discussions on the issue. More than a month later, VPF has once again created a rift, this time due to single salma,
Exclusive: After Jolly LLB 3, Star Studio18-PVR Inox is now fighting for Huma Qureshi-starrer single Salma on VPF.
A business source said IHNS,single salma Also produced by Star Studio18 and they have once again requested VPF waiver from PVR Inox and Cinepolis. However, the request was not complied with. Discussion is going on. If no solution is found single salma It will be released only in non-national theaters in the country.
According to trade sources, single salma It is expected to be released on around 200 screens. The film stars Huma Qureshi in the lead role and coincidentally she was also a part of jolly llb 3Shreyas Talpade and Sunny Singh are also included single salma,
on September, IHNS “Viacom18 had signed an agreement with PVR Inox that they would pay VPF only till 2024. Hence, they felt it was appropriate to demand a waiver,” the report said. jolly llb 3 Release date is 2025. But PVR Inox argued that the agreement mentions that the studio will stop paying VPF provided other production houses do the same. Since other manufacturers have been paying VPF diligently this year too, he stressed that Viacom18 should also follow suit.
On September 30, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) directed an investigation against PVR Inox Limited on allegations of abusing its dominant position by continuing to impose VPF on film producers.
The decision revealed that PVR Inox had signed an agreement with Star Studios18 (aka Viacom18) as well as Yash Raj Films, which included a “sunset clause”, i.e. an agreement to phase out the payment of VPF by December 2024. In response, PVR told CCI that the sunset clauses for YRF and Viacom had not yet been invoked and were still under reconsideration. It added that Yash Raj and Viacom are eligible for the sunset clause only if they stop paying VPF to other exhibitors/DCE providers.
