The legal dispute between Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and PVR Inox over the release of Bhool Chuk Maaf has sent ripples through the Indian film industry, raising concerns about the sanctity of theatrical release agreements and the evolving dynamics between cinema and streaming platforms.
The Controversy Unfolded
Originally slated for a theatrical release on May 9, 2025, Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was abruptly pulled from cinemas by Maddock Films. The production house announced a direct-to-OTT release on Amazon Prime Video for May 16, citing national security concerns amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions following ‘Operation Sindoor’ .
This sudden shift came despite a formal agreement signed on May 6, which mandated an eight-week exclusive theatrical window before any digital premiere. PVR Inox, India’s largest multiplex chain, had already invested significantly in promotions and ticket sales, particularly in New Delhi .
Legal Battle and Court Intervention.
In response to the abrupt change, PVR Inox filed a ₹60 crore lawsuit against Maddock Films, alleging breach of contract and financial losses. The Bombay High Court intervened on May 9, issuing an interim injunction that restrained Maddock Films from releasing the movie on any digital platform until the eight-week theatrical window had passed or the film was released in cinemas .
The court found Maddock’s justification unsubstantiated, emphasizing that commercial convenience could not override binding contractual obligations, especially in the absence of any official government order mandating cinema closures .
🤝 Settlement and Revised Release Strategy
Facing prolonged legal proceedings, both parties reached a consensus on May 14. They agreed that Bhool Chuk Maaf would release in theaters on May 23, 2025, followed by a digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video just two weeks later, on June 6 . As part of the settlement, PVR Inox withdrew its ₹60 crore damages claim.
This resolution deviates from the standard eight-week holdback period typically observed for Hindi films transitioning from theatrical to digital release. While the court granted this exception as part of a balanced resolution, it does not set a precedent for other films, which will still be bound by the standard eight-week window .
🎭 Industry Reactions and Concerns
The settlement has sparked apprehension among exhibitors and industry stakeholders. The deviation from the established eight-week window is perceived as a potential threat to the traditional theatrical release model. A trade expert noted that this case might embolden other filmmakers, especially from the South Indian film industry, to seek similar exceptions, thereby challenging the existing norms .
Bollywood Hungama
The consensus is that while the immediate dispute has been resolved, the implications of this case could influence future negotiations between producers and exhibitors, potentially reshaping the landscape of film distribution in India.
