The upcoming Bollywood film “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, has unexpectedly opted for a direct-to-OTT release on Amazon Prime Video, foregoing its planned theatrical debut.
The makers, citing “recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation,” announced that the family entertainer will now premiere digitally on May 16th. This decision, made by Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios, comes amidst the aftermath of recent geopolitical tensions and increased security protocols across India.
“Bhool Chuk Maaf,” a romantic comedy set in Varanasi, was initially slated for a theatrical release on May 9th. The promotional activities were in full swing, and anticipation was building for the film, which marks the first on-screen collaboration between Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi. However, just a day before its scheduled arrival in cinemas, the producers announced a change of plans, citing national security concerns as the primary reason.
In an official statement released by Maddock Films, the producers emphasized that “the spirit of the nation comes first.” The statement further detailed the decision: “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. While we were eagerly looking forward to celebrating this film with you in theaters, 1 the spirit of the nation comes 2 first. JAI HIND.”
The decision to bypass theatres appears to be a direct consequence of the current geopolitical climate and the subsequent increase in security measures across India. This follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and India’s reported retaliatory actions under “Operation Sindoor.” Additionally, the Union Home Ministry had reportedly asked several states to conduct mock security drills, further contributing to the sense of heightened alert nationwide.
While the specific nature of these “heightened security drills” and their direct impact on cinema screenings hasn’t been explicitly detailed, the makers’ statement strongly suggests that these national circumstances played a significant role in their decision to opt for a direct OTT release.
Directed by Karan Sharma, “Bhool Chuk Maaf” features Rajkummar Rao as Ranjan, a hopeless romantic stuck in a time loop on his Haldi ceremony day, and Wamiqa Gabbi as his fiancée, Titli. The film also boasts a strong supporting cast including Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, and Raghubir Yadav. With music by Tanishk Bagchi and a background score by Ketan Sodha, the film promises to be a “loopy, goofy comedy” with a heartwarming core.
While some fans may be disappointed to miss the theatrical experience, the direct release on Prime Video ensures that the film will reach a global audience from the comfort and safety of their homes. The film is now scheduled to premiere on the streaming platform on May 16th.
Key Highlights:
- “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will now directly release on Prime Video on May 16th, skipping its theatrical release.
- The makers cited “recent events and the heightened security drills across the nation” as the reason for this decision.
- This move comes after India’s “Operation Sindoor” and reported nationwide security drills.
- The romantic comedy, directed by Karan Sharma, will now be available to a global audience via OTT.