Rajkummar Rao's 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' Faces Legal Roadblock: Theatrical vs. OTT Battle Intensifies

Bollywood’s highly anticipated film Bhool Chuk Maaf, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, found itself in a courtroom battle just hours before it was to release theatrically. The firestorm broke when Maddock Films, the production company, announced an abrupt transition to an OTT release—only to be held back by the Bombay High Court.

Why did this conflict occur? Was it really a decision made out of increasing security issues, or was there an ulterior financial agenda involved? Let’s dissect the legal fight that now keeps this movie captive.

Also Read: Bhool Chuk Maaf OTT Release: The Real Reason Behind This Last-Minute Shift Will Shock You

Bhool Chuk Maaf theatrical release conflict

Bhool Chuk Maaf was scheduled to release in theatres on May 9, 2025, but on May 8, the producers declared a direct-to-OTT release citing increased security concerns due to the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Their official statement drew a patriotic picture, highlighting national security over box office collections.

“Whilst we were eagerly anticipating bringing the film to celebrate with you in theatres, the nation comes first,” Maddock Films announced. The last-minute change had viewers now watching the film from home through Amazon Prime Video on May 16. This move did not go down well with PVR Inox, India’s largest multiplex chain.

Also Read: Bhool Chuk Maaf OTT Release: The Real Reason Behind This Last-Minute Shift Will Shock You

PVR Inox vs Maddock Films

PVR Inox quickly got the Bombay High Court to stop the OTT release, claiming that Maddock Films breached an agreement. They claimed that Bhool Chuk Maaf was contractually obligated to run for eight weeks in theaters before reaching digital platforms.

From court documents:

– The deal between Maddock Films and PVR Inox was executed on May 6, 2025.

– 31 Delhi-based PVR theatres had previously initiated promotional campaigns for the film.

– PVR Inox claimed that the abrupt cancellation by Maddock Films was not motivated by security but by dismal advance booking data.

– The multiplex major claimed ₹60 crore in damages for losses arising out of non-playability of the film.

The court, realizing the seriousness of the situation, granted ad-interim relief, preventing Maddock Films from releasing the movie on any OTT platform until the mutually agreed eight-week time period expired.

The Bombay HC Verdict: OTT Blocked for Now

In its ruling, the Bombay High Court sided with PVR Inox, stating that Maddock Films could not simply walk away from contractual obligations overnight. It highlighted how theatrical partners invest heavily in marketing and distribution, making last-minute cancellations financially damaging.

The court found two key flaws in Maddock Films’ argument:

1. Holdback period as per the contract (eight weeks) comes into play only in case of the film’s theatrical release– Maddock Films interpreted it as facultative, while PVR Inox insisted that it was obligational.

2. Abupt changeover to OTT breaks revenue streams, impacting theatre chain credibility among customers.

For these reasons, Bhool Chuk Maaf won’t be streamed online till the legal issue gets resolved. Next hearing date: June 16.

Bollywood OTT vs theatrical release

This case puts into the spotlight the continuous battle between theatrical releases and streaming platforms. Bollywood has witnessed a spate of direct-to-OTT films, which have usually enjoyed broader global reach and lower-cost distribution.

Multiplex chains, however, continue to battle for theatrical exclusivity on the grounds that:

– The big-screen experience is the very essence of cinema culture.
– Theatre revenues underpin thousands of entertainment industry jobs.
– Abrupt OTT turns fracture trust amongst cinema owners, creating financial crises.

Though world markets have embraced hybrid releases, India continues to struggle with a proper framework regarding OTT-first releases for films first committed to theatres.

What's Next for Bhool Chuk Maaf?

With the film’s release now entangled in legal disputes, audiences must wait for further courtroom developments. If Maddock Films successfully argues that the contract’s holdback terms were flexible, Bhool Chuk Maaf might still get its OTT premiere. On the other hand, if PVR Inox maintains its stance, the film must release in theatres first, potentially delaying its streaming availability.

For Bollywood, this scandal sets a precedent legally. Subsequent contracts between the theatres and production companies will most probably fortify rules pertaining to theatrical obligations so that spur-of-the-moment digital turns do not leave them in loss.

Last Word: Who's the Winner of This War?

Though both parties—Maddock Films and PVR Inox—have pointable arguments, it is clear that Bollywood wants more stringent contractual clarity on digital vs. theatrical releases. For moviegoers, the larger question is: should movies be able to change platforms based on outside factors, or should they keep promises to theaters?

As the courtroom drama plays out, one thing is clear—Bhool Chuk Maaf has made a legal splash that will influence future Bollywood distribution plans.