The Bombay High Court has issued a temporary stay on the release of Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, on OTT platforms or any other medium, siding with PVR Inox in a legal dispute with Maddock Films. The court’s interim order, issued on May 10, mandates that the film, directed and written by Karan Sharma, must complete an agreed-upon eight-week theatrical run before streaming online.
The ruling follows Maddock Films’ sudden decision to cancel the film’s theatrical release, originally set for May 9 and instead premiere it on Amazon Prime Video on May 16.
The production house reportedly cited “heightened security drills across the nation” amid the India-Pakistan conflict as the reason for the shift. Their statement per Mint read, “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.”
ALSO SEE: Bhool Chuk Maaf To Not Release In Theatres, Due To India-Pak Tensions? Here’s What We Know
PVR Inox, a leading multiplex chain, challenged this move in court, alleging that Maddock Films breached a contract signed on May 6. The agreement stipulated that Bhool Chuk Maaf would be released in cinemas across India on May 9 and barred from OTT or other platforms for eight weeks thereafter. “But the producers terminated the agreement just a day before the release and announced an OTT release on May 16,” argued PVR Inox’s counsel, Dinyar Madon, as reported by PTI.
ALSO SEE: Bhool Chuk Maaf Teaser: Rajkummar Rao Gets Stuck In A Time Loop Before Wedding In Maddock’s New Comedy Film
In response, Maddock Films’ counsel, Venkatesh Dhond, contended that the eight-week holdback clause would apply only if the film had a theatrical release. However, Justice Arif Doctor, presiding over the case, noted that PVR Inox had fulfilled its obligations by promoting the film, reserving screens, and offering tickets to consumers. The judge emphasised that a last-minute cancellation would harm the multiplex chain’s “reputation and goodwill.”
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 16, with Maddock Films directed to file a response.
