Ronnie Screwvala Upset Due To Lack Of Support From Film Industry Over CCI Verdict

Filmmaker Ronnie Screwvala is upset as none of his industry folks united with him to challenge the judgment passed by Competition Commission of India (CCI) on imposition of Virtual Print Fees by multiplexes such PVR, INOX, Cinepolis and FCCI Multiplex Association of India. In his petition he had mentioned about how distributors/producers shell out Rs. 20,000 for each film screened in their theatres. Back in 2010 producers, distributors and exhibitors when the transitions from physical prints to digital, a fee was decided to support the transition till 2015, however it was extended till 2017 later, post a non-written agreement was done between producers and distributors with a sunset clause.

 

The filmmaker pinpointed this issue when his last release Sonchiriya faced issue of fees payment despite the agreement which was supposed to be followed till 2017. During his conversation with Bombay Times, he said, "I have read the ruling from the CCI on the cartelization by the multiplexes and they have dismissed the petition on the grounds that it lacked documented proof of such misuse of collective power. My complaint was not an anonymous one which is normally how it starts. It was based on asking the CCI to launch a formal probe and investigation and they would have got all the documentation and proof they needed. But they have ruled on it and I respect and abide by their final view."

" I am disappointed, though not surprised, at the complete lack of support from all colleagues, producers, distributors and the creative community who in private commended the action. But not one individual, company or association supported my complaint as that would have gone a long way to endorse with the CCI the apparent practices that is common knowledge to all. I am a firm believer that there is a circle of life and in the end, truth always catches up with reality. So, I am sure that at an appropriate time there will be justice to this. Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for the multiplexes while fair play takes a back seat."

Kamal Gianchandani, the head honcho of PVR Cinemas, said, “I think the CCI’s decision validates what we have believed and said from the time this one particular matter came to the fore. I am thankful to them for viewing it objectively.”

Case filed under section 3 of Competition Act 2002, no such clause of Sun-Set ever existed between the parties involved in the VPF issue.