PVR sues Maddock Films after cancellation of Bhool Chuk Maaf theatrical release

India Today

10-05-2025

PVR vs Maddock Films over release of Bhool Chuk Maaf (Photo: Movie poster) PVR Inox sued Maddock Films for the last-minute cancellation of Bhool Chuk Maaf theatrical release
PVR sought stay on the film's digital release on Prime Video, scheduled for May 16
Maddock Films cited national security and red alerts as reasons for the film's digital release
Multiplex chain PVR Inox has filed a lawsuit against Maddock Films for cancelling the theatrical release of Bhool Chuk Maaf at the eleventh hour and moving it to a digital platform. As per a source close to the chain, the company has filed a suit seeking a stay on the release of the film on Prime Video on May 16. The team has demanded that the film be released in theatres first, and move to a digital medium only after the usual eight-week window.
Meanwhile, reports also suggest that PVR has sued Maddock Films for Rs 60 crore for the last-minute cancellation. While the production team had cited national security amid the India-Pakistan escalating tensions as the reason behind the decision. The theatre chain alleged that the last-minute cancellation led to substantial financial losses.
A source in the industry further shared that a number of schools, colleges, and malls are shut in the north, and many cities are already placed under red alert. In such unprecedented circumstances, the production house maintains that the film's release in theatres wouldn't be feasible. The decision to go for a digital release stemmed from the desire to maintain the momentum already created during the promotions.
It remains to be seen whether PVR demands financial compensation, fights for a stay on the film, or whether Maddock manages to streamline the film's release next Friday. Clarity on the development will only come after the next hearing on Monday.
Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films called off the release of the Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi film on May 8, a day before it was to be released in cinemas. "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 16 May â€' only on Prime 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 (sic)," the studio said in a statement.
Multiplex chain PVR Inox has filed a lawsuit against Maddock Films for cancelling the theatrical release of Bhool Chuk Maaf at the eleventh hour and moving it to a digital platform. As per a source close to the chain, the company has filed a suit seeking a stay on the release of the film on Prime Video on May 16. The team has demanded that the film be released in theatres first, and move to a digital medium only after the usual eight-week window.
Meanwhile, reports also suggest that PVR has sued Maddock Films for Rs 60 crore for the last-minute cancellation. While the production team had cited national security amid the India-Pakistan escalating tensions as the reason behind the decision. The theatre chain alleged that the last-minute cancellation led to substantial financial losses.
A source in the industry further shared that a number of schools, colleges, and malls are shut in the north, and many cities are already placed under red alert. In such unprecedented circumstances, the production house maintains that the film's release in theatres wouldn't be feasible. The decision to go for a digital release stemmed from the desire to maintain the momentum already created during the promotions.
It remains to be seen whether PVR demands financial compensation, fights for a stay on the film, or whether Maddock manages to streamline the film's release next Friday. Clarity on the development will only come after the next hearing on Monday.
Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films called off the release of the Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi film on May 8, a day before it was to be released in cinemas. "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 16 May â€' only on Prime 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 (sic)," the studio said in a statement. Join our WhatsApp Channel