Bhool Chuk Maaf faces legal BLOCK as Bombay HC stops OTT release

Maddock Films’ decision to skip the theatrical release of Bhool Chuk Maaf just a day before its scheduled debut has landed the production house in legal trouble. The Bombay High Court, on Friday, restrained the film’s digital release following a 60 crore lawsuit filed by multiplex chain PVR Inox.

The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was set to release in theatres on May 10. However, on May 8, Maddock Films, in a joint statement with Amazon MGM Studios, announced that the movie would now premiere directly on Prime Video on May 16.

Their statement read, “In light of the 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 decision came days after the Pahalgam terror attack and ongoing Operation Sindoor. While Maddock cited national security concerns as the reason behind this shift, PVR Inox alleged breach of agreement and financial loss. According to the exhibitor, an agreement had been signed on May 6, with promotions already underway in 31 theatres, especially in Delhi.

The multiplex chain argued that the move to cancel the theatrical release just 24 hours prior was a calculated decision—pointing to weak advance bookings rather than security fears. PVR Inox claims that Maddock used current events as a cover to opt for an OTT release and avoid box-office scrutiny.

The court, after reviewing both sides, ruled in favour of PVR Inox’s plea for interim relief. It restrained Maddock from releasing the film on any platform until the mandatory 8-week theatrical window expires, as per standard industry practice.

Maddock’s defence, which stated that the holdback clause applies only if a film is released theatrically, did not convince the court. The judge noted that last-minute changes of this nature impact trust and cause commercial harm to exhibitors.

The next hearing is set for June 16. Until then, Bhool Chuk Maaf remains in limbo—stuck between legal obligations and national sentiment.