Mumbai, May 14, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, the much-anticipated romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, is now confirmed to hit theaters on May 23, 2025, following a legal dispute between Maddock Films and PVR Inox. The film, initially slated for a theatrical release on May 9, had been shifted to a direct-to-OTT premiere on Amazon Prime Video due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions. However, a recent court ruling has reversed this decision, bringing the film back to the big screen.
Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films in association with Amazon MGM Studios, Bhool Chuk Maaf is a quirky rom-com with a time-loop twist, set against the vibrant backdrop of Varanasi. The film has generated significant buzz, topping IMDb’s list of Most Anticipated Movies, with fans eagerly awaiting its unique blend of romance, humor, and small-town charm. The ensemble cast, including veterans like Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, and Raghubir Yadav, adds to the film’s appeal as a family entertainer.
The controversy began when Maddock Films announced on May 8 that the film would skip its theatrical release, citing national security concerns following Operation Sindoor and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision to premiere the film on Prime Video on May 16 sparked backlash from exhibitors, particularly PVR Inox, who filed a ₹60 crore lawsuit against Maddock Films for breaching their distribution agreement. PVR Inox argued that the last-minute cancellation, which they claimed was driven by poor advance bookings rather than geopolitical issues, caused significant financial losses.
The Bombay High Court intervened, initially halting the film’s OTT release and upholding PVR Inox’s rights. After a legal face-off, the court ruled in favor of a theatrical release, setting the new date for May 23, 2025. In a notable exception to the standard eight-week OTT window for Hindi films, the court has allowed Bhool Chuk Maaf to stream on Prime Video just two weeks after its theatrical debut, on June 6, 2025. This decision has been hailed as a victory for cinema chains and fans who were keen to experience the film on the big screen.
Maddock Films is set to resume its marketing campaign on May 15, with plans to rekindle the excitement around the film. The original promotional strategy included attaching teasers for Param Sundari (starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor) and Thama (starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna) to the theatrical release, though it remains unconfirmed whether these plans will proceed.
Trade sources estimate that Bhool Chuk Maaf had sold around 5,000 tickets in national chains before the initial cancellation, with a projected opening of ₹3 crore. Analysts suggest that with strong content and no major Hindi film competition until June 6, the film could perform well at the box office, potentially collecting ₹15 crore over its opening weekend if word-of-mouth is favorable.
Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with posts on X celebrating the return of Bhool Chuk Maaf to theaters. “Can’t wait to see Rajkummar and Wamiqa light up the screen in Varanasi’s charm! #BhoolChukMaaf back where it belongs!” wrote one user. The film’s trailer, released on April 10, and its soulful track Koi Naa, launched on April 16, have already won hearts, setting the stage for a grand theatrical experience.
As the dust settles on this legal saga, Bhool Chuk Maaf is poised to deliver laughter, love, and a touch of time-loop magic to audiences nationwide. Mark your calendars for May 23, 2025, and get ready for a bhasad wali shaadi that promises to be unforgettable.
