Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of reporting the ongoing tussle between the national cinema chains—namely PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis—and film producers over the payment of the VPF (Virtual Print Fee).
Last month, the industry was jolted when PVR and Inox suspended advance bookings for the much-awaited film *Jolly LLB 3*, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. This decision came after its producers, Star Studio18, refused to pay the VPF. The advance bookings were halted twice, the last time just 12 hours before the commencement of the first show.
According to reports, Star Studio18 eventually paid the VPF but made it clear that the payment was made under protest. The studio also stated that discussions on the issue would continue.
More than a month later, the VPF dispute has resurfaced, this time involving the Huma Qureshi-starrer *Single Salma*.
**Exclusive:** After *Jolly LLB 3*, Star Studio18 and PVR Inox are now clashing over the VPF for *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 as well as Cinepolis. However, this request was not granted, and discussions are still ongoing. If a solution is not found, *Single Salma* will likely be released only in non-national theatres across the country.”
Industry insiders reveal that *Single Salma* is expected to release on around 200 screens. The film features Huma Qureshi in the lead role, who coincidentally was also part of *Jolly LLB 3*. The cast also includes Shreyas Talpade and Sunny Singh.
The producers argue that they are justified in requesting the VPF waiver since *Jolly LLB 3* is a 2025 release. However, PVR Inox maintains its stance, stating that the agreement specifies that studios will stop paying VPF only if other production houses do the same.
In a related development, on September 30, 2025, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered an investigation against PVR INOX Limited over allegations of abusing its dominant market position by continuing to levy VPF on film producers.
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