Bhool Chuk Maaf OTT update: Bombay HC stalls release of Rajkummar Rao's film

Time of India

11-05-2025

In a significant legal development, the
Bombay High Court
has temporarily blocked the digital release of the Rajkummar Rao-led film
Bhool Chuk Maaf
, ordering that it cannot be streamed on OTT platforms or any other medium until eight weeks have passed following its theatrical debut at
PVR Inox
cinemas.
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This interim order came after multiplex giant
PVR Inox
filed a legal challenge, accusing the film's producers—Maddock Films—of breaching a formal agreement. The dispute arose from the producers' last-minute decision to cancel the movie's
theatrical release
and instead announce its OTT premiere for May 16. According to PVR Inox, this abrupt change violated a binding contract signed on May 6, which explicitly stated that the movie would hit theatres across India on May 9, and no online or alternate platform release would take place for eight weeks thereafter.
Representing PVR Inox, senior advocate Dinyar Madon informed the court that Maddock Films had unilaterally terminated the agreement just one day before the planned theatrical launch, without considering the significant promotional investment and logistical arrangements already made by the cinema chain.
Maddock's legal counsel, Venkatesh Dhond, countered by arguing that the 'holdback period' was only applicable if a theatrical release actually occurred—implying that since the producers had canceled the cinema launch, the clause no longer stood.
However, Justice Arif Doctor, who presided over the hearing, acknowledged that PVR Inox had fulfilled its responsibilities under the agreement. The multiplex had not only allocated screens but had also promoted the film and sold advance tickets. The judge noted that such an abrupt cancellation not only disrupted the business operations of the theatre chain but could also potentially tarnish its reputation and consumer trust.
Considering these factors, the High Court issued an interim directive barring Maddock Films from releasing the movie on any platform—digital or otherwise—until the film completes eight weeks of theatrical screening at PVR Inox locations. The matter has now been scheduled for a detailed hearing on June 16, and the court has asked Maddock Films to submit their response in the interim.
About 'Bhool Chuk Maaf'
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Varanasi, the film paints a heartfelt portrait of small-town love, steeped in tradition and dreams. At its core is Ranjan, a starry-eyed romantic whose only ambition is to win the heart of his beloved, Titli Mishra. Determined to make their love story official, Ranjan lands a coveted government job—believing it's the final step toward marrying the girl of his dreams.
As the couple excitedly steps into the whirlwind of wedding preparations, fate takes an unexpected—and surreal—turn. Just when everything seems perfect, Ranjan finds himself trapped in a bizarre and relentless time loop. Each day begins with the same rituals, the same laughter, and the same Haldi ceremony—except only he remembers the repetitions.
Titli, blissfully unaware, lives each day anew, while Ranjan is caught in a lonely, exasperating cycle, reliving the pre-wedding chaos over and over again. What begins as a strange twist of time soon spirals into a battle between love, logic, and destiny, forcing Ranjan to question whether the universe is testing him—or trying to tell him something deeper.