Bollywood Faces New VPF Battle as Star Studio18 and PVR Inox Clash Over ‘Single Salma‘ Release
The ongoing dispute over Virtual Print Fees (VPF) continues to roil the Indian film industry, with a new standoff emerging between production house Star Studio18 and cinema chain PVR Inox over the release of the upcoming film Single Salma, starring Huma Qureshi. This follows a similar conflict last month surrounding the Akshay Kumar-led Jolly LLB 3.
The core of the issue revolves around VPF,a fee charged by exhibitors to cover the costs of digital cinema projection. Producers argue the fee is outdated and burdensome, particularly as digital projection is now standard.
The conflict initially flared up last month when PVR Inox suspended advance bookings for Jolly LLB 3 after Star Studio18 refused to pay the VPF. According to reports, the studio ultimately paid the fee “under protest,” signaling their intent to continue negotiations.Now, just weeks later, the same issue threatens the release of Single Salma.
“Single Salma is also made by Star Studio18 and they once again requested a VPF waiver from PVR Inox and also Cinepolis,” a trade source told Bollywood Hungama. “However, the request was not adhered to. The discussions are going on. If a solution is not found,Single Salma will find a release only in the non-national theatres of the country.”
Currently, Single Salma is projected to release in approximately 200 screens, significantly fewer than a typical wide release. The film also stars Shreyas Talpade and Sunny Singh, and notably, Huma Qureshi also appeared in Jolly LLB 3.
Why is this happening? The dispute centers on Star Studio18’s interpretation of a 2024 agreement with PVR Inox regarding VPF payments. Star Studio18, under parent company Viacom18, believed the fee should be waived for Jolly LLB 3 and now Single Salma, as they are releasing in 2025.
Who is involved? The key players are Star Studio18 (the production house), PVR Inox (the cinema chain), and indirectly, Viacom18 (Star Studio18’s parent company). The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is also involved, investigating PVR Inox.
The dispute stems from a 2024 agreement between Viacom18 and PVR Inox, stipulating VPF payments only until the end of that year. Viacom18 argued that,as Jolly LLB 3 is slated for release in 2025,they were entitled to a waiver. However, PVR Inox countered that the agreement was contingent on other production houses also ceasing VPF payments – a condition not currently met.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is already investigating PVR Inox, having directed an investigation on September 30, 2025, into allegations of abusing its dominant position by continuing to levy VPF.The investigation was prompted by the revelation of “sunset clauses” in agreements signed between PVR Inox, Star Studio18, and Yash Raj Films, outlining a phased elimination of VPF payments by December 2024.
PVR Inox, in response to the CCI, stated that the implementation of these sunset clauses for both Viacom18 and Yash Raj Films remained subject to renegotiation and dependent on both studios ceasing VPF payments to
