BIG DEVELOPMENT: PVR INOX proposes to SCRAP VPF for all films; move comes a year after Jolly LLB 3 controversy; Saiyaara, War 2 ‘sunset clause’ revelations : Bollywood News
PVR INOX Limited has proposed to eliminate the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) charged to film producers in India. This proposal, submitted to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), follows an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices by PVR INOX, initiated in September 2025. The CCI had raised concerns that VPF disproportionately affected small and medium-sized producers and was not consistently applied across all films. Under the new framework, producers would choose between a weekly per-show Exhibition Service Charge (ESC) of Rs. 450 for standard screens or a Revised Revenue Share (RRS) reducing their existing box-office share by up to 7.5%. The public and industry stakeholders have until October 1, 2026, to submit comments to the CCI regarding this proposed change.
The proposed scrapping of the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) by PVR INOX in India marks a significant shift for the country's film exhibition sector. This move, driven by a CCI investigation that began in September 2025, addresses long-standing producer complaints about VPF's fairness and its impact on smaller film houses. The new options, an Exhibition Service Charge (ESC) or a Revised Revenue Share (RRS), aim to provide a more transparent and equitable system, eliminating upfront payments that previously burdened producers. While the change offers potential relief for film producers, particularly those with limited budgets, the long-term financial implications for PVR INOX and other multiplex chains remain a key area to watch. The shift from a fixed VPF to a per-show or revenue-share model could alter profitability dynamics across the industry. The CCI's final decision, expected after public consultation closes on October 1, 2026, will shape how films are distributed and exhibited in India for years to come.
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