India, Sept. 27 -- Imagine a fee that every filmmaker - irrespective of whether their project is big or small film - has to pay, just to have a theatrical release. What's more, this charge was supposed to be phased out years ago, yet it continues to exist. On top of everything, this applies only to Indian films not Hollywood films! For long, Virtual Print Fees (VPF), has been a bone of contention between exhibitors and producers. Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor (Entertainment and Lifestyle) sheds light on the issue on this week's episode of The Right Angle. It all began when distribution companies such as UFO ushered the digital film revolution into the Indian film industry, replacing the traditional reel projection system in theatres. The upgrade and new equipment demanded substantial investment, which was to be borne by all parties involved. The producers would do it via VPF. The issue is: despite an agreed-upon deadline, theatres refuse to stop charging VPF, a contention has been raised time and again. In 2019, for example, producer Ronnie Screwvala, filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India against four multiplex chains, but ultimately lost. More recently, the makers of Jolly LLB 3 faced last-minute hassles when PVR INOX suspended all bookings until they were paid the VPF. Saiyaara, too had to give in right before the film's release. So, why do more filmmakers not speak up against the issue open? How did Hollywood deal with VPF? Find out the answers to all this and more in this week's The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra. A new episode drops every Friday across all YouTube channels of Hindustan Times, HT City, Mint and Hindustan. htc...