In a dramatic legal development just a day before its scheduled release, the Bombay High Court has restrained Maddock Films from releasing Bhool Chuk Maaf directly on OTT platforms, upholding PVR Inox’s contractual rights and highlighting a major dispute between theatre chains and production houses over changing release strategies in the post-pandemic era.
The decision comes after Maddock Films announced an abrupt shift from a theatrical release to a digital one, citing the recent Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor as reasons for opting out of cinemas. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was set to hit the big screens on May 9, 2025, but its producers claimed the ongoing geopolitical tensions and market sentiment prompted their withdrawal from theatres.
PVR Inox Responds with ₹60 Crore Lawsuit
Within hours of the announcement, PVR Inox filed a ₹60 crore lawsuit against Maddock Films and Pen Marudhar, citing breach of a binding agreement signed on May 6, 2025. The multiplex giant alleged that the production house violated the agreement by scrapping the theatrical release and failing to honour the 8-week holdback clause, which prevents any digital release until eight weeks after the film’s theatrical debut.
PVR Inox further stated that it had aggressively promoted Bhool Chuk Maaf, allocating prime marketing slots and show timings across major metro cities. The chain argued that the producers’ move caused financial damages and was not driven by national concerns, as claimed, but rather by the film’s poor advance bookings.
Court Grants Interim Relief to PVR Inox
The case was heard before Justice Arif S Doctor, who granted ad-interim relief in favour of the multiplex chain. In a strong order, the court restrained Maddock Films and its associates from releasing the film on any digital or non-theatrical platform until the expiry of the 8-week window following a theatrical release.
The court emphasised that Maddock Films could not unilaterally renege on its commitments, especially in the absence of a force majeure clause, which would otherwise allow flexibility in unforeseen circumstances.
Justice Doctor observed:
“A change in commercial strategy, no matter how compelling, cannot override a binding legal agreement. Mere inconvenience or change in economic expectations is not a valid basis to cancel a contract.”
Producers Argue Clause Was Conditional
During the hearing, Maddock Films contended that the 8-week exclusivity clause applied only if the film was released in theatres. Since they chose to cancel the theatrical release, they argued that the clause no longer held relevance.
However, the court disagreed, pointing out that the clause was part of a broader commitment to theatrical distribution and that the decision to abandon cinema halls lacked legitimate justification. The court added that public statements blaming geopolitical events appeared to mask commercial motives, especially given reports of underwhelming pre-bookings.
What This Means for Bhool Chuk Maaf
With the court’s interim order now in place, Bhool Chuk Maaf cannot be released on OTT or any other platform until further notice. The next hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2025, and until then, the film’s future remains in limbo.
This ruling marks a crucial precedent for India’s evolving film distribution landscape. As OTT platforms increasingly become go-to destinations for content, traditional theatre chains are stepping up efforts to protect their share of revenue and contractual guarantees, especially in the case of pre-negotiated releases.
“Bhool Chuk Maaf” Faces Uncertain Future Amid Legal Battle
As it stands, “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, cannot be released on any OTT platform or any other non-theatrical medium in India until at least eight weeks after a potential theatrical release. The next hearing on June 16th will be crucial in determining the film’s fate and the resolution of the legal battle between the producers and the multiplex giant. This case highlights the complexities and potential conflicts arising from the evolving landscape of film releases in the digital age.
