Bhool Chuk Maaf: Film Release Drama Ends with Theatre-OTT Deal

The film Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was originally planned for a theatrical release on May 9, 2025. But due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan and increased security concerns, the producers decided to cancel the theatre release. Instead, they planned to release the movie directly on Amazon Prime Video on May 16, 2025. This sudden change upset many people in the film industry.

One of the biggest cinema chains in India, PVR INOX, was especially unhappy because they had already sold over 5,000 tickets. They filed a lawsuit against the production company, Maddock Films, asking for Rs 60 crore in damages. They claimed that changing the release plan without notice broke their agreement and caused them big financial losses.

The Bombay High Court stepped in and stopped the movie from being released on OTT platforms. The court said that there should be an 8-week gap between a movie’s theatre release and its online release, as per industry rules. After this, both sides—PVR INOX and Maddock Films—held meetings and agreed on a new plan. They decided that the film would release in theatres on May 23, 2025, and on Amazon Prime Video just two weeks later, on June 6.

This decision was seen as a special case. Normally, films wait at least 8 weeks before releasing online, but this time it was shortened to 2 weeks due to special circumstances. PVR INOX later said this was a one-time exception and they still support the 8-week gap. They made this deal partly because Maddock Films promised to work with them on future film releases.

Maddock Films re-release the trailer with new release date, 23rd May 2025.