PVR Inox Sues Maddock Films for ₹60 Crore Over Bhool Chuk Maaf's Last-Minute OTT Shift

In a major fallout between a top production house and a theatre chain, PVR Inox has reportedly sued Maddock Films for ₹60 crore following the last-minute cancellation of the theatrical release of Bhool Chuk Maaf. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was set to release in cinemas on May 9, 2025, but was instead diverted directly to Amazon Prime Video, where it will stream from May 16.

Maddock Films, in its official statement, cited “heightened security drills across the nation” amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan as the reason for skipping theatrical release. However, PVR CEO Kamal Gianchandani has expressed dismay, calling the sudden decision financially damaging and citing “non-playability” and poor advance bookings as the real underlying reason.

Film trade analyst Komal Nahta shared on X that PVR Inox believes the producers pulled out due to weak pre-release ticket sales. A source speaking to Bollywood Hungama added that Maddock Films may invoke the force majeure clause in their defense—arguing that national security concerns are valid grounds for the decision.

The lawsuit could set a precedent. As per insiders, PVR’s legal move may also serve as a warning to other filmmakers considering a similar OTT-first strategy at the eleventh hour. Industry voices argue that even a delayed theatrical release would have been preferable to a complete bypass of cinemas.

Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Bhool Chuk Maaf features a strong supporting cast including Sanjay Mishra, Seema Pahwa, Zakir Hussain, Raghubir Yadav, and Ishtiyak Khan.