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After a legal face-off between Maddock Films and PVRInox, Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf is now set for a theatrical release first, as it was planned originally. The decision came after a court gave the order in the high-profile dispute that erupted earlier this month when the film’s producers abruptly announced a direct-to-OTT premiere.

'Bhool Chuk Maaf' gets new theatrical release date

Credits: Maddock Films

Bhool Chuk Maaf, the upcoming comic caper, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will be released on May 23. The film was originally scheduled to hit theatres on May 9. However, due to the India-Pakistan conflict that escalated last week, the producer of the film announced that Bhool Chuk Maaf will be directly released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video.

However, this did not sit well with the multiplex giant PVRInox, and it sued Maddock films for breaching the contract.

What is the Maddock Films and PVRInox controversy?

The controversy began on May 8, when Dinesh Vijan made headlines by announcing that Bhool Chuk Maafwould skip its theatrical release and premiere directly on Amazon Prime Video.

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 Credits: Instagram/maddockfilms

The producer said that the decision was taken due to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. The announcement came just a day before the film’s scheduled release, sparking backlash from exhibitors, with multiplex giant PVRInox suing Maddock Films for Rs 60 crore for breach of contract and seeking a stay on the digital release.

The dispute escalated over the weekend, but now the film is back on track for a theatrical release. Pinkvilla quoted a source, informing of the new release date. According to the source, “The court has passed its order in the Maddock Films vs PVRInox Cinemas case. Bhool Chuk Maaf, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will now release in cinemas on May 23, 2025. Maddock Films plans to resume its marketing campaign from May 15.”

The OTT release of ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’

Credits: Maddock Films

As per the court’s orders, the film will see an early digital release. While most Hindi films follow an eight-week OTT window post-theatrical release, Bhool Chuk Maaf will stream on Prime Video just two weeks later, on June 6, 2025.

“This is a court-directed exception. The 2-week window applies only to this film. The 8-week rule stays intact for all other Hindi releases," the source clarified.

In a significant development, PVRInox has also withdrawn its Rs 60 crore compensation demand. Maddock Films will not have to pay any damages.

The makers are now gearing up for a fresh round of promotions ahead of the theatrical launch. The film, directed by Karan Sharma, marks the first collaboration between Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi.

Social and lead images Credits: Maddock Films

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