Multiplexes resume bookings for ‘Jolly LLB’; here’s what happened
**Multiplexes Resume Bookings for ‘Jolly LLB 3’; Here’s What Happened**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:30 PM*
The much-anticipated release of *Jolly LLB 3* faced a significant setback when major multiplex chains PVR and Inox halted advance bookings due to a dispute over the Virtual Print Fee (VPF). Bookings were initially stopped on Wednesday evening but resumed the following morning without any resolution to the underlying issue. However, the multiplexes suspended bookings again on Thursday evening, just hours before the film’s premiere, causing concern among fans and the film’s team.
Even Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar got involved in the matter, highlighting the severity of the dispute.
### What is Virtual Print Fee (VPF)?
The Virtual Print Fee is a charge that leading multiplex chains in India levy on film producers or distributors to help offset the costs of upgrading their projection technology. Typically, VPF amounts to around ₹20,000 per screen. While major multiplexes charge this fee directly, smaller cinema chains and theaters without 2K digital projection systems collect it through third-party digital cinema service providers such as UFO, Scrabble, and Qube.
### Resolution: ‘Jolly LLB 3’ Agrees to Pay VPF—Under Protest
Fearing a detrimental impact on the film’s first-day box office collections due to halted bookings, the *Jolly LLB 3* team eventually agreed to pay the VPF. However, the producers made it clear that they are paying the fee “under protest” and intend to continue discussions around the issue. A multiplex official confirmed that the dispute was resolved by midnight, and bookings have now resumed to ensure a smooth release across India.
### The Ongoing VPF Battle in the Hindi Film Industry
The VPF controversy is not new in Bollywood. Back in 2019, renowned producer Ronnie Screwvala challenged multiplex chains including PVR, Inox, Cinepolis, and Carnival Cinemas over the VPF charges before the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The CCI ruled in favor of the multiplexes, but producers have continuously objected to the indefinite imposition of VPF, arguing that the fee was meant to be temporary.
As of now, *Jolly LLB 3* is in theaters nationwide, with hopes that the VPF debate will eventually be resolved to avoid such disruptions in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/jolly-llb-3-team-submits-vpf-under-protest/story
