After the makers of the Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi-starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf announced that the film would have a direct-to-OTT release, a day after it was scheduled to hit theatres (on 9 May), the distributors PVR INOX had challenged the decision at the Bombay Court.
Both parties (PVR INOX and the production house Maddock Films) have now announced that the film will release theatrically on 23 May. While the production house shared the film’s poster with the new release date on social media, the distributors shared a statement that read, “With the swift and brave intervention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji and the Indian Army, peace has been restored. In the renewed atmosphere, the space for storytelling and cinematic expression to flourish has further strengthened.”
“’Bhool Chuk Maaf’ will now release as originally envisioned – as a celebration of cinema, on the big screen. In the spirit of this renewed environment and following open, constructive discussions with all stakeholders, PVRINOX Limited (PVRINOX), Maddock Films Pvt. Ltd. (Maddock), and Amazon MGM Studios are happy to announce that Maddock Films’ keenly awaited, ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’, will release in theatres on 23 May 2025.
Read the statement here:
The statement released by Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios on 8 May had said, “In light of recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation, we at Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to bring our family entertainer, Bhool Chuk Maaf, directly to your homes on May 16–only on Prime Video, worldwide. While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hind.”
In its plea to the High Court, PVR INOX allegedly sued the production house for 60 crores for ‘non-playability’ of the film citing an agreement signed between them that stated that the film’s OTT release would be held back by 8 weeks after its first theatrical release in India. In an interim order, the court ordered Maddock Films to not release the film on any platform till this period had passed.
The makers confirmed to Indian Express that the film will release on Prime Video on 6 June, two weeks after its theatrical release and the exhibitors have withdrawn their demand for compensation.
In the latest statement, Dinesh Vijan, the founder of Maddock Films, said, “As our surroundings begin to heal, we’re especially grateful to offer a theatrical experience for a film that speaks from the heart. In these times, when family means everything, we urge audiences to head to theatres with their loved ones, share a laugh, reflect on life, and enjoy a story that, we hope, brings joy."
"We’re also incredibly thankful to our exhibitors as partners for their continued support, flexibility, and commitment to theatrical storytelling. The release environment has changed for the better, and we’re proud to collaborate once again with them for our film’s release.”Dinesh Vijan, Founder, Maddock Films
Kamal Gianchandani of PVR-INOX added, “We are proud to affirm our deep commitment to the theatrical experience — a cornerstone of Indian cinema culture and the most immersive way to experience storytelling at its finest. We fully understand and respect the challenges faced by the team at Maddock Films in finalising the release of Bhool Chuk Maaf. We are thankful for their continued faith in the theatrical model and their decision to bring this film to audiences where it truly belongs — in cinemas. Their support reinforces the strong bond between content creators and exhibitors, and we look forward to a successful release.”
Bhool Chuk Maaf has been directed by Karan Sharma.