Entertainment Desk

Buzz continues to build around the much-anticipated Bollywood feature as ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ prepares for its big-screen and digital arrivals. The theatrical debut is now scheduled for May 23, 2025, while its OTT premiere shifts from May 16 to June 6, 2025. Let’s unpack the full slate of updates, including the cast, team, and theme.

The Team Behind Bhool Chuk Maaf: Movie Makers and Cast

This science fiction film has been produced under the collaboration of Maddock Films and world-renowned film house Amazon MGM Studios. It marks Amazon’s Indian film debut. The distribution rights go to PVR INOX Pictures, Pen Marudhar, and Yash Raj Films.

Directed and penned by Karan Sharma, the romantic comedy movie stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajkummar Rao, and Seema Pahwa in lead roles.

The supporting cast comprises Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Raghubir Yadav, Ishtiyak Khan, Anubha Fatehpuria, and Jay Thakkar.

Dhanashree Verma makes a special appearance in the track ‘Ting Ling Sajna’.

A refreshed version of the 2009 hit ‘Chor Bazaari Phir Se’ finds new life in this film’s soundtrack. The song was originally voiced by Sunidhi Chauhan and Neeraj Shridhar in the film ‘Love Aaj Kal’.

Tanishk Bagchi scores the soundtrack with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, while Ketan Sodha handles the background music.

Storyline Based on Sci-fi Comedy Theme

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Varanasi, the movie explores the charm of small-town romance. At its heart is Ranjan, played by Rajkummar, a sincere dreamer who lands a government job to win the hand of his beloved.

Wamiqa portrays Titli Mishra, his spirited fiancee. Just as their wedding approaches, something strange begins. A time loop traps Ranjan in a never-ending rewind to their Haldi ceremony. Titli, unaware of the loop, leaves him battling the bizarre repetition alone.

Controversy Surrounding Theatrical and OTT Releases

The film’s journey to release has been anything but smooth. With over 5,000 tickets already sold through box offices and online platforms, generating more than Rs. 3 crore in revenue. However, a last-minute decision by Maddock Films to cancel the theatrical release sparked immediate backlash.

This sudden shift to a digital launch triggered legal action. PVR INOX, citing major financial setbacks and breach of contract, filed a lawsuit seeking Rs. 60 crore in damages. They argued that the eleventh-hour cancellation had caused irreversible losses across distribution and exhibition networks.

On May 9, 2025, the Bombay High Court stepped in. It granted ad-interim relief to PVR INOX, prohibiting Maddock Films from releasing the movie on any digital or non-theatrical platform. This restriction remains in place until the mandatory eight-week holdback period has passed following a theatrical premiere.

Just days later, on 14 May, both parties reached a compromise. The film will now hit theatres on May 23, 2025. Hindi films typically follow an eight-week gap before reaching OTT platforms. However, this title will stream on Prime Video in just two weeks, on June 6, 2025. This rare exception was ordered by the court and will not serve as precedent for future releases.

In a final turn, PVR INOX has chosen to drop its Rs. 60 crore compensation claim. Maddock Films will not owe any financial settlement. A formal joint statement from both sides is expected to clarify the resolution and terms of this agreement.

Bottom Line

New release dates for ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ are set for May 23, 2025, in theatres and June 6, 2025, on Prime Video. Karan Sharma’s direction and the cast led by Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi signify Amazon’s maiden Hindi-language production. This sci-fi romantic comedy unfolds around a time loop trapping the protagonist during a wedding ceremony. The release faced legal hurdles after a last-minute shift from theatres to digital. However, the dispute was resolved with a delayed theatrical release and a shortened OTT window.

Source UNB