In a dramatic turn of events, Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will now be releasing in theatres on May 23, following a legal dispute between multiplex chain PVRInox and the film’s production house, Maddock Films. The decision comes after the film’s earlier shift to a direct-to-digital release on Amazon Prime Video due to escalating national security concerns.
Originally slated for a May 9 theatrical debut, Bhool Chuk Maaf was abruptly rerouted to OTT with a May 16 streaming date. Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios had cited “heightened security drills across the nation” as the reason for the change, stating in an Instagram post, “The spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hind.”
However, this last-minute shift did not go down well with theatre giant PVRInox, which sued Maddock Films, alleging breach of contract and claiming losses of approximately Rs 60 crore. The multiplex chain also expressed displeasure over the lack of formal communication, stating that such actions violate industry norms and disregard mutual professionalism.
An insider quoted by Pinkvilla confirmed that the court has now ruled in favor of a theatrical release. “The court has passed its order in the Maddock Films vs PVRInox Cinemas case. Bhool Chuk Maaf will now release in cinemas on May 23, 2025. Maddock Films plans to resume its marketing campaign from May 15,” the source revealed.
In a notable compromise, the court has also allowed the film to begin streaming on Prime Video from June 6, just two weeks after its theatrical debut — a significant deviation from the industry-standard eight-week window.
Bhool Chuk Maaf marks the first on-screen collaboration between Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, and has been marketed as a light-hearted family entertainer. Despite the early controversy, the film is expected to draw attention at the box office given the strong lead pairing and the buzz surrounding its tumultuous release journey.
Sources By Agencies
