On Thursday, October 30, Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported that after *Jolly LLB 3*, Star Studio18 once again got into a tiff with national multiplex chains over paying the Virtual Print Fee (VPF). This time, the dispute was concerning their latest release, *Single Salma*, starring Huma Qureshi.
Here’s an update on what transpired after the article was published.
### EXCLUSIVE: *Single Salma* Releases VPF-Free at PVR Inox; Star Studio18 Plays ‘Avatar’ Card with Cinepolis
### Miraculous Gujarati Hit *Laalo* Gets VPF-Waiver for THIS Reason
A trade source revealed, “The discussions went on till late Thursday night. Star Studio18 reminded multiplexes about their agreement to pay VPF only until 2024. Though they paid VPF under protest last time for *Jolly LLB 3*, they made it clear they would not repeat this for *Single Salma*.”
Previously, PVR Inox had pushed back and even suspended advance bookings of *Jolly LLB 3* over the VPF issue. However, this time, they did not object as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigation is currently underway. Consequently, *Single Salma* released on PVR Inox properties without VPF—a rare achievement for a Hindi film.
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### CCI Investigation Against PVR Inox
On September 30, 2025, the CCI directed an investigation against PVR INOX Limited over allegations of abusing its dominant position by continuing to levy VPF on film producers. The CCI ordered its Director General to conduct a detailed probe and submit a report within 90 days.
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### The Cinepolis Standoff and the ‘Avatar’ Card
On the other hand, the third major multiplex chain, Cinepolis, refused to release *Single Salma* without VPF. This prompted Star Studio18 to play their trump card — *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, the biggest Hollywood film of the year scheduled for release on December 19.
Star Studio18 warned Cinepolis that if they did not release *Single Salma* on their screens, they would release *Avatar: Fire and Ash* exclusively in Cinepolis theaters, but only if Cinepolis agreed to pay them 65% of the revenue. This revenue share is significantly higher than the standard first-week revenue share of around 52.5%.
Despite the lucrative offer, Cinepolis stood firm, possibly banking on a resolution before *Avatar: Fire and Ash*’s release. As a result, *Single Salma* secured a release at PVR Inox but not at Cinepolis.
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### How *Laalo* Got a VPF-Free Release
Even regional films generally have to pay VPF, but the Gujarati film *Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate* managed a VPF waiver.
Released on October 10 during a slow pre-Diwali period, *Laalo* initially lacked awareness and star power, resulting in low audience turnout. However, nearly two weeks later, an unexpected surge in word of mouth brought cinema halls alive. Social media videos show viewers dancing and celebrating during *Laalo* screenings.
The past weekend was the film’s best yet—likely making it the highest-grossing film in Gujarat during that time. Rajhans Cinema at Precia, Surat, is set to play a record 20 shows daily from Monday, November 3. Many other cinemas in Gujarat are scheduling more than 10 shows per day, confirming the film’s soaring demand.
Made on a modest budget of just Rs. 50 lakhs, *Laalo* is now expected to earn Rs. 5 crores or even more.
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### Insider Insights on *Laalo*’s VPF Waiver
A Gujarati industry insider shared, “Initially, the distributor Rupam Entertainment approached multiplexes to screen *Laalo*, but many theatres rejected it due to lack of buzz. After the sudden rise in demand, theatres scrambled to get film prints from the distributor.
The distributor realized his leverage and agreed to give the prints under two conditions: the multiplexes would pay him first-week terms (a higher revenue share), and the producer would not pay VPF.
Multiplexes were okay with the first condition but hesitant about waiving VPF. The distributor stood firm since *Laalo*’s modest budget couldn’t bear the additional costs. Knowing they risked loss if they refused, multiplexes agreed to both conditions.”
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### Conclusion
Both these instances—*Single Salma*’s rare VPF-free release at PVR Inox and *Laalo*’s VPF waiver—strengthen the producers’ ongoing demand to end the VPF practice. The industry and trade are now eagerly awaiting the next developments in this evolving issue.
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**Also Read:**
[Huma Qureshi calls out lack of shows for her film *Single Salma*]
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**More Pages:**
– [*Avatar: Fire and Ash* (English) Box Office Collection]
– [*Avatar: Fire and Ash* (English) Movie Review]
– [Bollywood News Live Updates]
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/exclusive-single-salma-releases-vpf-free-pvr-inox-star-studio18-plays-avatar-card-cinepolis-miraculous-gujarati-hit-laalo-gets-vpf-waiver-reason/
