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Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi`s Bhool Chuk Maaf to Skip Theatrical Release
Updated on: 08 May, 2025 12:48 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Bhool Chuk Maaf Poster
In an unexpected turn of events for moviegoers, the much-anticipated romantic comedy "Bhool Chuk Maaf," starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will no longer premiere in cinemas. The film, originally scheduled for a theatrical debut on May 9, is now set for a direct-to-digital release on Prime Video on May 16. This decision comes amidst a sensitive national security environment.
The statement 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.” It further conveyed, “While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. JAI HIND.” Consequently, the press shows for the film, which were scheduled in Delhi and Mumbai, have also been cancelled.
The decision to bypass a theatrical release is linked to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This situation intensified following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically resulted in 26 fatalities. In response, on Wednesday, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor", a targeted mission aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh provided details, stating that a total of nine terror sites were targeted and successfully destroyed. She emphasised that "the locations were selected so that there was no damage to civilians and their infrastructure." These events have led to heightened security measures across India, influencing the film`s release.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao Rumoured to Have Undergone Chin Augmentation; Fans Have Hilarious Reactions
Set in the vibrant city of Varanasi, the story follows Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a hopeless romantic who lands a government job to win back his love, Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi). However, just before their wedding, fate intervenes, and Ranjan finds himself caught in a time loop, reliving the morning of his Haldi ceremony each day. The film charts "a hilarious yet touching journey of love, destiny, and second chances". The cast also includes seasoned actors Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, and Raghubir Yadav, with Maddock Films backing the project.
Audiences can now look forward to enjoying Bhool Chuk Maaf from the comfort of their homes when it premieres worldwide on Prime Video on May 16.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao: 6 Characters That Made Him Shape Shifter Of Bollywood
Direct-to-Digital Premiere Amid National Concerns
The makers of Bhool Chuk Maaf announced the change in release strategy on Thursday, just a day before its planned theatrical outing. Maddock Films, the official production house, along with Amazon MGM Studios, released a joint statement explaining their decision.The statement 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.” It further conveyed, “While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. JAI HIND.” Consequently, the press shows for the film, which were scheduled in Delhi and Mumbai, have also been cancelled.
The decision to bypass a theatrical release is linked to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This situation intensified following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically resulted in 26 fatalities. In response, on Wednesday, the Indian Armed Forces launched "Operation Sindoor", a targeted mission aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh provided details, stating that a total of nine terror sites were targeted and successfully destroyed. She emphasised that "the locations were selected so that there was no damage to civilians and their infrastructure." These events have led to heightened security measures across India, influencing the film`s release.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao Rumoured to Have Undergone Chin Augmentation; Fans Have Hilarious Reactions
About Bhool Chuk Maaf
Despite the serious backdrop to its release change, Bhool Chuk Maaf itself promises to be a light-hearted experience. Directed and written by Karan Sharma, the film is described as a "heartwarming romantic comedy" offering a "delightful mix of charm, chaos, and small-town romance".Set in the vibrant city of Varanasi, the story follows Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a hopeless romantic who lands a government job to win back his love, Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi). However, just before their wedding, fate intervenes, and Ranjan finds himself caught in a time loop, reliving the morning of his Haldi ceremony each day. The film charts "a hilarious yet touching journey of love, destiny, and second chances". The cast also includes seasoned actors Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, and Raghubir Yadav, with Maddock Films backing the project.
Audiences can now look forward to enjoying Bhool Chuk Maaf from the comfort of their homes when it premieres worldwide on Prime Video on May 16.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao: 6 Characters That Made Him Shape Shifter Of Bollywood
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