KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao’s latest comedy-drama “Bhool Chook Maaf” has landed in a major legal controversy. The film was scheduled for theatrical release on May 9, 2025, but due to heightened geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, the producers at Maddock Films decided to pull it from cinemas just a day before its planned release.

The move has triggered a sharp response from PVR Cinemas, India’s largest multiplex chain, which has now filed a ₹60 crore lawsuit against Maddock Films, accusing them of last-minute cancellation and causing commercial damages.

PVR Cinemas Takes Legal Action: What’s the Case About?

The lawsuit, confirmed by PVR Cinemas’ CEO Kamal Gianchandani, was filed after Maddock Films announced on May 8, 2025, that the film would no longer be hitting theaters as originally scheduled. The sudden change reportedly caused massive financial losses for PVR, which had already made marketing investments, allocated screen slots, and prepared for ticket bookings.

“We were not informed in time. All agreements were in place, and marketing spend had been incurred. We have formally initiated legal proceedings against Maddock Films for breach of contract,” said Gianchandani in a conversation with News9 Live.

Why Did Maddock Cancel the Theatrical Release?

The production house cited nationwide security drills and rising India-Pakistan tensions as the primary reasons for shelving the theatrical rollout. According to their official statement, releasing a lighthearted film during such sensitive times could appear insensitive or attract security concerns in certain regions.

Sources close to the project say there were internal discussions with government officials and security advisors, after which it was decided that a theatrical release might pose logistical and reputational risks.

Impact on Theater Chains

For large theater chains like PVR, the damage wasn’t limited to logistics. PVR had:

• Reserved premium slots in their Friday lineup

• Started ticket bookings in select cities

• Created promotional tie-ups with food and beverage brands

• Initiated localized marketing campaigns

The abrupt cancellation led to cancellation refunds, wasted resources, and a ripple effect across multiplex partners and advertisers.

Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi Star in the Film

Despite the controversy, anticipation for Bhool Chook Maaf remains high. The film stars Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatile roles, alongside Wamiqa Gabbi, who has been making waves in the OTT and film space.

Directed by Karan Sharma, the film is said to be a satirical take on urban relationships and generational guilt. Early previews suggest that the narrative blends quirky humor with a social message — a signature style often associated with Maddock Films.

Now Set for OTT Release on May 16

Following the cancellation, Maddock Films has confirmed that Bhool Chook Maaf will now be released exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on May 16, 2025. The decision to move the release to OTT was reportedly made to avoid further delays while maintaining audience reach.

This digital-first move has drawn both criticism and support. While some see it as a practical solution, others view it as a breach of trust with theatrical partners.

How the Cancellation Reflects a Bigger Industry Shift

This incident once again brings to light the fragile balance between OTT platforms and theatrical releases. Post-pandemic, the Indian film industry has seen an increase in direct-to-digital releases. However, commitments to multiplexes are still legally binding once promotional materials and booking systems are live.

The fallout from this case may result in stricter contractual clauses for future releases. Trade analysts believe this could set a precedent where production houses might have to compensate exhibitors for last-minute changes.

Maddock Films’ Silence Adds to the Tension

As of now, Maddock Films has not issued any detailed public statement regarding the lawsuit. The production house is known for films like Stree, Bala, and Hindi Medium, and this is the first time it has been dragged into a legal conflict of this magnitude.

Sources indicate that the team is internally reviewing its legal options, possibly preparing a defense based on “force majeure” — a legal term often used when unforeseen events disrupt contractual obligations.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Film trade experts and legal professionals have started to comment on the implications of the PVR-Maddock dispute. According to Bollywood business analyst Komal Nahta, this is “a grey zone where ethics and legalities don’t always align.”

Another entertainment lawyer told KKNLive:

“If Maddock had valid national security concerns, they might still be liable if those concerns were not specified under their contract clauses. Exhibitors are not liable to absorb that risk.”

Potential Fallout for Rajkummar Rao and the Cast

While the legal battle is primarily between the producers and distributors, stars like Rajkummar Rao may also feel the heat indirectly. Promotional events were cancelled abruptly, and the negative press may affect the initial reception on OTT platforms.

However, trade insiders believe that given Rao’s solid reputation and the high curiosity factor, the film is still likely to perform well digitally — especially if promoted properly before the May 16 release.

OTT vs Theatrical: A Battle for Control?

This controversy also opens a broader discussion on who controls the fate of a film — producers, exhibitors, or platforms?

Earlier, similar tensions arose when producers opted for direct OTT releases during COVID-19, sidelining multiplexes. While the pandemic created some understanding, such abrupt decisions in a post-pandemic world are likely to lead to more contractual enforcement.

The unfolding legal drama between PVR Cinemas and Maddock Films marks one of the most significant Bollywood controversies of 2025 so far. It highlights the growing friction between creative freedom, commercial responsibility, and geopolitical realities.