In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming Bollywood romantic comedy, “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” starring the talented Wamiqa Gabbi alongside Rajkummar Rao, has opted for a direct-to-OTT release, bypassing its scheduled theatrical debut. The film, which was initially slated to hit cinema screens on May 9, 2025, will now premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on May 16, 2025.
The decision to forgo a theatrical release was officially announced by the production house, Maddock Films, citing the heightened security situation across the nation as the primary reason. In a statement released earlier today, the makers conveyed their sensitivity to the current environment, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of the public are of utmost importance.
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 1 Video, worldwide. While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this film with you in theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first. Jai Hind.”
This decision comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a series of targeted actions by the Indian armed forces, which has led to increased security measures and a state of heightened alert across the country. Sources close to the production suggest that the makers were concerned about potential disruptions and wanted to ensure the film reaches its audience without any compromise to public safety.
“Bhool Chuk Maaf” marks the first on-screen collaboration between Wamiqa Gabbi and Rajkummar Rao and is directed by Karan Sharma. The film promises a delightful blend of comedy and romance, with a unique storyline centered around a would-be groom who finds himself trapped in a time loop on the day before his wedding. The ensemble cast also includes seasoned actors like Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, and Raghubir Yadav, adding to the film’s appeal.
While the decision may disappoint some fans who were looking forward to the cinematic experience, the move to OTT ensures that “Bhool Chuk Maaf” will be accessible to a wider audience globally from the comfort of their homes. This strategic shift echoes a trend seen during the pandemic, where filmmakers opted for digital releases to navigate uncertainties and reach viewers directly.
Wamiqa Gabbi, who has been garnering praise for her recent performances in the OTT space, will now see another project directly reaching digital screens. Her chemistry with Rajkummar Rao in the trailer has already generated buzz, and audiences are eagerly anticipating this family entertainer.
The film’s music, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, and the background score by Ketan Sodha are also expected to be highlights. With its quirky premise and talented cast, “Bhool Chuk Maaf” is now poised to capture the attention of a global audience on Prime Video starting May 16, 2025.
This move by Maddock Films underscores the sensitivity of the entertainment industry to prevailing national circumstances and highlights the growing prominence of OTT platforms as a primary avenue for film releases. Fans will now have to wait a little longer, but can soon enjoy the comedic and romantic journey of “Bhool Chuk Maaf” from the comfort and safety of their homes.