Karan Sharma’s film Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was scheduled for a theatrical release on 9 May. However, a day before its release, Maddock Studios and Amazon MGM Studios posted a joint statement announcing that they had opted for a direct-to-OTT release on Prime Video on 16 May.
The statement read, “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 the film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hind. “
The multiplex chain PVR INOX reportedly sued the production house for 60 crore for “non-playability” of the film, alleging that the production house’s decision was a breach of a contract signed on 6 May. Clause 4 of the agreement stated that the production house would hold back from an OTT release till a minimum of 8weeks after the first theatrical release in India.
PVR Inox counsel Dinayar Madon submitted that the multiplex had promoted the film on social media, standees, and videos walls in their theatres and had also blocked screens nationwide for which it had collected advance bookings.
Maddock Films’ counsel Venkatesh Dhond argued that the 8-week clause in the agreement was contingent on a theatrical release which didn’t happen. Dhond submitted that the company took the call regarding the film's release in view of the "heightened security presently prevalent across the nation and in particular in the northern part of the country".
He further argued that the 'present environment' would result in a significant loss of revenue to the film's producers.
The court held that the agreement 'could not be more clear' in specifying that the film would first be released in the plaintiff's theatres, rejecting the production house's contention in the matter.
The bench, presided by Justice Arif Doctor, noted that PVR Inox had completed its contractual obligations and, in doing so, had incurred costs towards marketing and advertising. It expressed concern over the fact that a last-minute cancellation would affect the multiplex's "reputation and goodwill".
The court issued a stay on the film's release on any platform or medium till the end of the eight-week holdback period and set the next date of hearing to 16 June.
(The Quint reached out to Maddock Films but they declined to comment since the matter is subjudice)