Rajkumar Rao and Vamika Gabbi’s latest film, Bhool Chuk Maaf, was initially set to hit theaters on May 9. However, just before its scheduled screenings in Mumbai and Delhi on May 8, the production company, Maddock Films, suddenly announced that the movie would be released directly on Prime Video on May 16, bypassing theatrical release altogether. This unexpected decision didn’t sit well with PVR INOX, a major film distribution company, which took Maddock Films to court over the matter.
A Legal Tussle
PVR INOX wasn’t happy with Maddock Films’ decision to skip the theatrical release and had demanded ₹60 crore in damages. The court intervened, temporarily halting the OTT release until further orders. After some negotiations, PVR INOX decided to drop its demand for ₹60 crore in damages. As a result, Maddock Films agreed to release Bhool Chuk Maaf in theaters on May 23, as per the court’s instructions. The film’s promotional campaign is set to restart on Thursday.
A Compromise Reached
The dispute between Maddock Films and PVR INOX has been settled, with the film now scheduled for a theatrical release on May 23. PVR INOX will have two weeks to recoup its investment before the film hits Prime Video on June 6. This arrangement is a compromise, as most Hindi films typically take eight weeks to transition from theaters to OTT platforms. Neither Maddock Films nor PVR INOX has issued an official statement regarding this development.