Multiplex chain PVR INOX filed a lawsuit against production house Maddock Films, following which the Bombay High Court has passed a major interim order. PVR approached the court just before the scheduled release of the film Bhool Chook Maaf, seeking to stop its digital release on Amazon Prime Video, which was slated for May 16.
According to sources in the multiplex chain, PVR demanded that the film follow the standard industry practice—first releasing in theatres, and only then premiering on digital platforms after an 8-week window.
Court Stops OTT Release of the Film
The Bombay High Court has now issued an interim order restraining Maddock Films from releasing Bhool Chook Maaf on any OTT platform before the agreed 8-week theatrical window with PVR INOX is completed. The court ruled that citing security and commercial reasons to cancel the theatrical release was a breach of contract. Consequently, the release of the film on any platform has been put on hold. The matter will be heard again on May 16, 2025.
Reports suggest that PVR filed a ₹60 crore lawsuit against Maddock Films for cancelling the theatrical release at the last minute. The production house had planned a digital release due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, considering it a safer and more feasible option. However, PVR argued that the last-minute decision led to massive financial losses for the multiplex chain.
Security Concerns During Indo-Pak Tension
An industry source stated that due to the India-Pakistan conflict, many schools, colleges, and malls were shut in several North Indian cities, and multiple states were on red alert. This made a theatrical release extremely difficult. The makers chose a digital release to sustain the momentum of their promotional campaign.
Indo-Pak Tensions Now Resolved
Starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, Bhool Chook Maaf was originally set to release on May 8, but the date was later shifted to May 16. The conflict between India and Pakistan, which involved heavy cross-border shelling and drone attacks, has now de-escalated. On the evening of May 10, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted about a ceasefire between the two nations. India later confirmed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides had communicated to reduce tensions, officially ending the conflict.