New Delhi: 

According to the original plan, the movie was scheduled to debut straight in theaters on May 9. Following a mutual agreement between multiplex chain PVR Inox and production house Maddock Films, the film’s producers had planned for a digital premiere after a period of eight weeks. Soon after India, in retaliation for a terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, launched a retaliatory attack of its own, ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Pakistan. Press releases were scheduled in Delhi and Mumbai by Dinesh Vijan’s production house, Maddock Films, one day before the release of the movie,, which were later cancelled. 

Prepare for a heavy dose of laughter, affection, and a rush of déjà vu as Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in the lead, is finally set to premiere in cinemas across the country this May 23. This journey to the theatres was not exactly smooth or easy. The comedy drama almost turned into a courtroom drama in a rather interesting real-life plot twist. 

Eventual release

PVR Inox was quick in moving the issue to the Bombay High Court and fought against the producer’s decision of an OTT release and talked of a breach of contract. They mentioned that the agreement was terminated just a day before the release and pursued compensation worth 60 crore rupees. Maddock made a counterargument, stating that the eight-week ‘holdback’ clause would apply only if there was a theatrical release. In the interim, India and Pakistan agreed to enter into a ceasefire.

The court ruled in favour of PVR Inox and noted that it had completed its responsibilities by adequately promoting the film, reserving screens and offering tickets to the viewers, and a surprise cancellation would severely damage its “reputation and goodwill.” In a temporary order, the court also restricted Maddock Films from releasing the film on any platform until eight weeks after its theatrical release at PVR cinemas. The HC arranged the matter for further hearing on June 16 and asked Maddock to prepare and file its reply in the period in between.

After tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, peaking around the time of the film’s release, Instagram posts from the official accounts of Maddock Films, Prime Video India, Rao, and Gabbi released to announce that the film would directly debut on OTT. “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,” it stated in the official comment.

The official spokesperson of Maddock Films later confirmed that Bhool Chuk Maaf will now certainly hit the cinemas on May 23. The promotional campaign will be restored soon. PVR Inox also withdrew its demand for compensation after the resolution. The movie’s OTT release date has been set to June 6.

About the film

The film’s ensemble also includes veteran actors like Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, and Raghubir Yadav, who never fail to deliver heartwarming and hilarious performances. With the soundtrack produced by the modern music sensation Tanishk Bagchi and profound lyrics from the legendary Irshad Kamil, the movie promises to deliver an engaging and captivating musical performance. Songs that are set to be featured include Koi Na, which is a remake version of the old hit Chor Bazaari.

After weeks of indecision, Bhool Chuk Maaf is finally getting its due place in theatres, according to the wishes of thousands of fans and movie lovers. So mark your calendars and get ready for a rom-com that’s already made headlines before even hitting the big screens.

The film, a quirky tale, is set against the colourful backdrop of Varanasi, with Rajkummar Rao playing Ranjan and Wamiqa Gabbi playing his bride-to-be, Titli. Ranjan finds himself trapped in a weird time loop with his wedding just around the corner, and Titli, being blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding around her. As Ranjan relives the same moments, he gets a second (and third, and fourth) chance at getting everything right.

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