Producer Ronnie Screwvala of RSVP Films, has reportedly filed a case with the Competition Commission of India against Multiplexes like PVR, INOX, Carnival Cinemas and Cinepolis, with respect to undue imposition of Virtual Print Fee (VPF) on films. He mentioned that the multiplex chains ask producers/ distributors to pay close to 20,000 rupees for every film screened at every theatre.
He also slammed the organisation for being partial towards Hollywood films, and highlighted that the multiplexes don't charge VPF for Hollywood films, even if they are dubbed. This gives them an additional advantage over domestic films that have to pay a huge sum as VPF.
The petition reportedly informs that his film Love Per Square Foot was supposed to have a theatrical release, but owing to the exorbitant fee, it wasn't economically viable. The recently released critically acclaimed Sonichiriya too faced the same problem.
Reports reveal that when asked about this, the CEO of PVR Cinemas said: "“Since the matter is now sub-judice and will be under investigation there is nothing more to add at this stage.”