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 release of *Jolly LLB 3* encountered a significant obstacle when major multiplex chains, PVR and Inox, halted advance bookings due to disagreements over the Virtual Print Fee (VPF).
### Booking Disruptions and Resolution Attempts
The advance bookings were first stopped on Wednesday evening but surprisingly resumed on Thursday morning without the underlying dispute being resolved. However, the multiplex chains suspended bookings again on Thursday evening, just hours before the film’s much-anticipated premiere, causing uncertainty among fans and distributors alike.
Even Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar got involved to try and smooth things over. The multiplexes felt justified in requesting a waiver from the *Jolly LLB 3* team since the film is a 2025 release, whereas VPF charges were initially intended for earlier titles.
### Payment Agreement Reached Amidst Protest
In the end, fearing a major hit to the film’s first-day collections due to ongoing booking halts, the *Jolly LLB 3* team agreed to pay the Virtual Print Fee. However, the producers made it clear that the payment was made under protest, emphasizing that discussions on this contentious issue would continue.
A multiplex official confirmed that the dispute was finally resolved around midnight, and bookings resumed smoothly across India to ensure the film’s theatrical launch went ahead without further interruption.
### What Is Virtual Print Fee (VPF)?
Virtual Print Fee (VPF) is a charge imposed by major multiplex chains on producers or distributors to help cover the costs of upgrading to digital cinema technology. In India, this fee typically averages around ₹20,000 per screen.
Smaller cinema chains and non-2K theaters usually collect VPF through third-party digital cinema service providers such as UFO, Scrabble, and Qube.
### The Ongoing Battle Over VPF
The VPF controversy is not new in the Hindi film industry. Back in 2019, renowned producer Ronnie Screwvala challenged multiplex giants like PVR, Inox, Cinepolis, and Carnival Cinemas at the Competition Commission of India (CCI), contesting the legality of VPF charges.
While the CCI ruled in favor of multiplex chains, producers have consistently argued against the indefinite imposition of VPF, maintaining that it was meant to be a temporary fee to help multiplexes transition to digital technology.
### *Jolly LLB 3* Is Now in Theaters
Despite the hurdles, *Jolly LLB 3* has successfully hit the big screens nationwide. The resolution of the VPF issue has allowed audiences to enjoy the film without further delays.
Stay tuned for more updates on the film and the evolving dynamics between producers and multiplex chains regarding digital screening fees.
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