Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in reporting the ongoing tussle between national cinema chains—namely PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis—and film producers over the payment of the Virtual Print Fee (VPF).

Last month, the industry faced a significant jolt when PVR Inox suspended advance bookings for the much-awaited film *Jolly LLB 3*, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. This suspension came after the film’s producers, Star Studio18, refused to pay the VPF. The advance booking was halted twice, once just 12 hours before the commencement of the first show.

According to reports, the studio eventually paid the VPF but made it clear that the payment was made under protest. They also stated their intention to continue discussions on this contentious issue.

More than a month later, the VPF controversy has resurfaced, this time concerning the film *Single Salma*. A trade source informed Bollywood Hungama:
“*Single Salma* is also produced by Star Studio18, and they once again requested a VPF waiver from PVR Inox and Cinepolis. However, the request was not granted, and discussions are ongoing. If a resolution is not reached, *Single Salma* will only release in non-national theatres across the country.”

Trade sources estimate that *Single Salma* could release on approximately 200 screens. The film stars Huma Qureshi in the lead role—coincidentally, she also featured in *Jolly LLB 3*. Actors Shreyas Talpade and Sunny Singh also play key roles in the film.

Back in September, Bollywood Hungama had reported on the backdrop of this issue: Viacom18 had signed an agreement with PVR Inox to pay VPF only until 2024. Given that *Jolly LLB 3* is a 2025 release, Viacom18 felt justified in requesting a waiver. However, PVR Inox responded that the agreement’s VPF cessation was conditional, dependent on other production houses also discontinuing payments. Since other producers continued paying VPF this year, PVR Inox insisted that Viacom18 must follow suit.

On September 30, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered an investigation into PVR INOX Limited over allegations of abusing its dominant position by continuing to levy VPF on film producers.

The investigation revealed that PVR Inox had agreements with Star Studio18 (Viacom18) as well as Yash Raj Films (YRF), which included “sunset clauses” — agreements to phase out VPF payments by December 2024. PVR Inox informed the CCI that these sunset clauses had not yet been implemented and were still under renegotiation. The company further stated that YRF and Viacom18 are eligible for sunset clauses only if they cease paying VPF to other exhibitors and Digital Cinema Equipment (DCE) providers.

For more updates, also read: [Huma Qureshi and Rachit Singh fuel engagement buzz with public appearances].
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-jolly-llb-3-star-studio18-pvr-inox-now-fight-vpf-huma-qureshi-starrer-single-salma/