PVR, Maddock Films come to an agreement, Bhool Chuk Maaf to get a theatrical release

Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer time loop-comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf, which was earlier slated to have a direct-OTT release owing to India-Pakistan tensions, will now be landing in theatres first, the makers announced on Thursday. The film is scheduled to release on the big screen on May 23.

As per reports, the film will stream on Amazon Prime Video, two weeks later, on June 6, which is earlier than the usual window of eight weeks for theatrical releases.

Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the banner backing the movie, had recently announced that the movie will skip its theatrical release on May 9 and get a digital release on Prime Video on May 16 due to the recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation following Operation Sindoor.

After that the multiplex chain PVRINOX had moved the court challenging its producers' decision.

After multiple court hearings, PVRINOX Limited (PVRINOX), Maddock Films Pvt. Ltd. (Maddock), and Amazon MGM Studios have reached an understanding and now the movie will be released in theatres on May 23.

“As our surroundings begin to heal, we're especially grateful to offer a theatrical experience for a film that speaks from the heart. In these times, when family means everything, we urge audiences to head to theatres with their loved ones, share a laugh, reflect on life, and enjoy a story that, we hope, brings joy,” Dinesh said in a statement.

"We're also incredibly thankful to our exhibitors as partners for their continued support, flexibility, and commitment to theatrical storytelling. The release environment has changed for the better, and we're proud to collaborate once again with them for our film's release," he added.

Kamal Gianchandani of PVRINOX said they remain deeply committed to the theatrical experience.

"We fully understand and respect the challenges faced by the team at Maddock Films in finalising the release of 'Bhool Chuk Maaf'. We are thankful for their continued faith in the theatrical model and their decision to bring this film to audiences where it truly belongs - in cinemas. Their support reinforces the strong bond between content creators and exhibitors, and we look forward to a successful release," he added.

Bhool Chuk Maaf, directed by Karan Sharma, revolves around a soon-to-be-married man who realises that he is stuck in a time loop and keeps reliving the Haldi day before his wedding.