bombay-hc-halts-ott-release-of-bhool-chuk-maaf

The Bombay High Court has temporarily restrained Maddock Films from releasing the Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi-starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf directly on streaming platforms, upholding multiplex chain PVR Inox’s rights to a theatrical release.

 

The decision comes after Maddock Films announced on 8 May that the film would skip cinemas and go straight to Amazon Prime Video on 16 May, citing the Pahalgam terror attack and heightened national security concerns linked to Operation Sindoor.

 

PVR Inox subsequently filed a lawsuit against the producers, claiming ₹60 crore in damages for non-playability. The cinema chain accused Maddock Films of breaching a formal agreement signed on 6 May 2025, just days ahead of the film’s scheduled theatrical debut.

 

In an urgent hearing, the court ruled in favour of PVR Inox and granted ad interim relief, restraining the producers and their associates from releasing Bhool Chuk Maaf on any platform—including OTT—until the expiry of an eight-week holdback period after a theatrical release in India.

 

PVR argued that the producers used the national security situation as a pretext and that the decision to bypass cinemas was due to poor advance booking numbers. The multiplex chain also stated that promotions for the film had already begun in 31 of its Delhi theatres.

 

In its defence, Maddock Films claimed the holdback clause applied only if the film was first released in cinemas, asserting they had the discretion to change the release platform.

 

The court, however, disagreed, stating that a last-minute withdrawal from the theatrical commitment would cause reputational harm to the multiplex chain, along with financial loss and erosion of customer trust.

 

In a public statement issued on 8 May, Maddock Films said: “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 16 May—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 Bombay High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on 16 June.