Rajkummar Rao & Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf Gets New Theatrical Release Date After Legal Battle

After a dramatic legal battle that sparked debate across the entertainment industry, Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf is officially set for a theatrical release. Initially scheduled to debut on May 9, the film will now hit cinema screens nationwide on May 23, 2025, following a court order in favor of exhibitors.

The controversy began when Maddock Films, the production house behind the film, announced a last-minute shift to an OTT premiere on Amazon Prime Video. Citing heightened security concerns in light of the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, the decision was made public just a day before the planned theatrical release. This move led PVRInox to file a legal case, alleging breach of contract and demanding ₹60 crore in damages. The multiplex chain claimed that the producers had violated an agreement signed on May 6, which required an eight-week exclusive theatrical window.

According to a Pinkvilla report, the court sided with PVRInox, ruling that the film must honor its theatrical commitment. A source quoted by the publication stated, “The court has passed its order in the Maddock Films vs PVRInox Cinemas case. Bhool Chuk Maaf, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will now release in cinemas on May 23, 2025. Maddock Films plans to restart promotions from May 15.”

The producers, however, had argued that the exclusivity clause was only applicable in the event of a theatrical release and maintained their right to choose the release platform as copyright holders.

Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, Bhool Chuk Maaf features a talented ensemble cast including Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Raghubir Yadav, and Jay Thakkar.

Set in the culturally rich backdrop of Varanasi, the film tells the quirky tale of Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a hopeless romantic who secures a government job to win over his love, Titli Mishra (Wamiqa Gabbi). But as wedding preparations unfold, he finds himself stuck in a bizarre time loop that resets every day to their Haldi ceremony, leading to comedic chaos and heartwarming revelations.

With the legal hurdles now behind them, the makers are gearing up to resume their marketing campaign and bring this much-anticipated rom-com to the big screen.