Why All Shows of Jolly LLB 3 on Hold by PVR INOX Chains The Truth About KDM and VPF Dispute
The release of Jolly LLB 3 has hit a roadblock as PVR-INOX put all shows on hold. The reason is a dispute over VPF fees and delayed KDMs, without which no movie can run. This clash has not only stalled the film’s release but also created tension between producers, service providers, and multiplex chains.
What is VPF and Who Pays It
VPF stands for Virtual Print Fee. This is a digital cost that is paid for running movies on cinema projectors. Traditionally, producers and distributors pay the VPF fee, not cinema chains. In the present conflict, producers are refusing to pay this fee.
On the other side, PVR-INOX are not ready to pay from their own pocket. Their concern is simple. If they pay once, then every producer will expect the same in future. That means they will be forced to bear this cost permanently, which is not acceptable for them.
How KDM Works in Simple Words
To play a movie in a theatre, downloading the film is not enough. Every cinema hall needs something called a KDM.
KDM means Key Delivery Message. It is like a secret digital key that unlocks the film file inside the projector. Without this key, the movie cannot start.
These keys are provided by service providers like UFO, QUBE, TSR etc, who support the projection systems in theatres. If the VPF issue is not resolved, these service providers do not release the KDM. That means even if the film is sitting inside the system, the projector cannot play it. No KDM means no show.
Why Refunds Become a Problem
When shows are announced, tickets are sold in advance. If the KDM is delayed or blocked, PVR-INOX are forced to cancel the shows and refund all sold tickets. This is a huge headache for them.
If advance bookings remain open for more shows, then even more tickets get sold. If the KDM still does not arrive, they will have to refund those as well. This leads to more financial loss and a bigger operational problem.
The Chaos Inside Cinemas
The problem does not end with refunds. The bigger issue is the chaos created inside the cinema halls when audiences come for a show and find out it is cancelled.
- Families who travel to theatres feel angry and cheated
- Long queues form at the box office counter for refunds
- People start shouting at the staff who are helpless in this situation
- Social media posts spread quickly about cancelled shows, which damages the image of the brand
- Some audiences decide not to book in advance next time, which hurts future sales
For a cinema chain, this is not just about one movie or one show. It is about maintaining trust with the audience. A single incident of cancellation creates bad memories and negative publicity that is hard to repair.
The Current Case Jolly LLB 3
This exact situation is happening right now with the release of Jolly LLB 3. The film is scheduled to release tomorrow. But due to the ongoing VPF dispute, PVR-INOX have put a hold on all shows across the country.
The reason is simple. If the KDM is not provided on time, the movie cannot be screened. If they continue to sell more tickets and the key does not arrive, they will be forced to refund even more tickets. That means heavier financial loss, chaos in theatres, and brand image damage.
At the moment, Jolly LLB 3 faces uncertainty. Its release in major multiplexes completely depends on whether the producers resolve the VPF issue with the service providers so that KDMs can be issued in time.
Insight
Movie cancellations are not sudden decisions by theatres. They are the result of a larger financial and technical dispute. For audiences, it means wasted time and disappointment. For cinema chains, it means refunds, brand damage and chaos.
With Jolly LLB 3, this issue has come into the spotlight again. Unless the VPF cost sharing is resolved, the KDM will remain locked and theatres will continue to face this crisis.
