After a week of high drama, courtroom battles, and uncertainty, the release fate of Bhool Chuk Maaf has finally been sealed. The upcoming comedy film starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi will now release theatrically on May 23, 2025, following a resolution between the film’s producers and multiplex giant PVR Inox.
The dispute, which had escalated into a ₹60 crore lawsuit, is now resolved after the Bombay High Court issued a balanced order acceptable to both parties.
Legal Dispute Ends: A Cinematic U-Turn
The controversy erupted on May 8, 2025, when producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films announced a direct-to-OTT release for Bhool Chuk Maaf, citing external national tensions as the reason. The decision shocked exhibitors, especially PVR Inox, which had already blocked prime slots and heavily marketed the film.
In response, PVR Inox filed a ₹60 crore lawsuit against Maddock Films and distributor Pen Marudhar, accusing them of violating a binding agreement mandating a theatrical release and an 8-week exclusivity window before any digital premiere.
Bombay High Court Steps In
The Bombay High Court, presided over by Justice Arif S Doctor, intervened promptly. The court observed that the cancellation of the theatrical release was a commercially motivated decision and not justified under the existing agreement, which did not include a force majeure clause.
On May 13, the court passed a directive allowing the film to release in theatres on May 23, 2025, with both parties agreeing to the revised terms.
In an unprecedented ruling, the High Court permitted Bhool Chuk Maaf to debut on Amazon Prime Video just two weeks later, on June 6, 2025. This is significantly shorter than the standard 8-week window typically observed for Hindi films.
This hybrid model, a brief theatrical run followed by a swift OTT release, sets a new benchmark in film distribution post-pandemic, and could potentially redefine release strategies for future films navigating similar conflicts.
Maddock Films to Resume Promotions from May 15
With the legal roadblocks cleared, Maddock Films has confirmed that its marketing campaign will resume in full swing starting May 15. Promotional tours featuring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, digital ads, trailer reshares, and interactive fan campaigns are already in the pipeline to regain lost momentum.
Directed by Arjun Varain Singh, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a quirky comic caper that pairs Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi for the first time. The film promises a rollercoaster of confusion, mistaken identities, and laugh-out-loud moments, blending old-school charm with new-age storytelling.
With Rajkummar’s impeccable comic timing and Wamiqa’s rising star power, the film has generated significant buzz. The courtroom tussle, if anything, has only heightened anticipation.
Final Verdict: The Show Will Go On — In Theatres First
Reports suggest that the court’s final order is seen as a balanced resolution, with both Maddock Films and PVR Inox agreeing to abide by its terms. This outcome allows “Bhool Chuk Maaf” to have its theatrical run, satisfying the multiplex chain’s contractual rights, while also ensuring a relatively quick digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video. This unique situation sets a precedent for future release strategies amidst the ongoing debate between theatrical and OTT platforms.
