The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on September 10 invited public comments on the commitment proposed by PVR Inox Ltd. in a case concerning the levy of Virtual Print Fee (VPF) on film producers.
According to the PVR Inox proposal submitted to the CCI, producers will no longer have to make any upfront payment to the cinema chain. Instead, they can choose between a fixed exhibition service charge (ESC) and a revised revenue-sharing arrangement under which their share of collections would be reduced by a maximum of 7.5%. The fixed ESC will be deducted from their share of weekly net box-office collections.
PVR Inox has proposed discontinuing VPF for all film producers within 120 days of acceptance of the commitments by the CCI. The multiplex chain said in its commitment proposal, “PVR Inox is entirely doing away with the requirement of any upfront payment by film producers, thereby fully eliminating the cash flow burden associated with pre-release payment obligations.”
The CCI has sought public and stakeholder comments, objections or suggestions on the proposal latest by October 1, 2026.