Rajkummar Rao's Bhool Chuk Maaf to release in theatres on May 23, on Prime Video two weeks later: Complete timeline of OTT release, PVR Inox lawsuit and HC decision
Debut director Karan Sharma's romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was all set to release in cinemas on May 9. However, little did we know that it won't see the light of day for another two weeks. Here's a full timeline of what went down in the last week, which has put the film's release in jeopardy.
May 6: Multiplex chain PVR Inox and production house Maddock Films enter into an agreement which stated Bhool Chuk Maaf would release in cinemas across India on May 9, and would not be released on OTT or any other platform for a period of eight weeks thereafter.
May 7: India launched strategic military strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan as a retaliation to the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. The Central Government announced security drills to take place across India as a precautionary measure.
May 8: On the eve of the film's scheduled theatrical release, Dinesh Vijan's production house Maddock Films was all set to hold press shows in Mumbai and Delhi. However, at around 11 am, the official social media handles of Maddock Films, Prime Video India, Rao, and Gabbi put out a statement, post which the Public Relations team informed the media that both press shows stand cancelled.
'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.
May 10: PVR Inox moved Bombay High Court challenging its producers' decision to release it on OTT instead of theatres. The multiplex chain alleged a breach of contract by Maddock Films. It argued that the producers terminated the agreement just a day before the release and announced an OTT release for May 16. It also sought a compensation worth Rs 60 crore from the makers. In turn, Maddock argued the eight-week 'holdback' clause would apply only if there was a theatrical release. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan agree to enter into an immediate ceasefire.
The court said PVR Inox had fulfilled its obligations by promoting the film, reserved screens and offered tickets to its consumers, and a sudden cancellation would affect its 'reputation and goodwill.' In an interim order, the court restrained Maddock Films from releasing the film on any platform until eight weeks after its theatrical release at PVR cinemas. The HC scheduled the matter for further hearing on June 16, and asked Maddock to file its reply in the meantime.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao calls his wedding the 'best days of my life'; Wamiqa Gabbi says 'I have dreamt about eloping from my wedding'
May 15: The official spokesperson of Maddock Films confirmed to SCREEN that Bhool Chuk Maaf will now indeed release in cinemas on May 23. The promotional campaign for the same will resume today. Also, PVR Inox has now withdraw its demand for a Rs 60 crore compensation from Maddock Films.
June 6: The spokesperson also confirmed that Bhool Chuk Maaf will release on Prime Video India on June 6. While that's just two weeks after the theatrical release, this will be an anomaly as the standard gap between theatrical and digital releases continues to be eight weeks for other films.
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