PVR Inox Sues Maddock Films For ₹60 Crores, Over ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’-Here’s Why

Multiplex giant PVR Inox seeks ₹60 crore in damages after Maddock Films abruptly shifts Rajkummar Rao-Wamiqa Gabbi starrer to OTT amid border tensions.

May 11, 2025: Mumbai | The theatrical release of Bhool Chuk Maaf, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, has triggered a major legal dispute between Maddock Films and PVR Inox. Originally slated to release in theatres on May 9, 2025, the film was pulled just days prior due to the escalating India-Pakistan conflict. Maddock Films instead opted for a direct-to-digital release on Amazon Prime Video on May 16.

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However, this decision has now led PVR Inox to file a lawsuit demanding ₹60 crore in compensation, citing losses incurred from halted promotions, booking cancellations, and marketing expenses already invested.

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📽️ Why the Dispute Arose

According to insiders, Maddock Films acted unilaterally, citing the ongoing national crisis and cinema closures across North India. Cities such as Jodhpur and parts of Punjab had temporarily shut theatres, and night shows in Delhi were reportedly affected due to blackout advisories. The suspension of IPL 2025 further influenced the decision to delay the film’s release.

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Maddock argued that proceeding with a comedy release during a time of national distress was insensitive and could also risk piracy due to loaded KDMs (Key Delivery Messages) across the globe. A swift shift to OTT was viewed as a practical choice.

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🧾 PVR Inox’s ₹60 Crore Claim

PVR Inox contends that they invested heavily in promotional activities based on the theatrical release commitment. These include:

• Trailer placements during prime programming hours
• Standee and banner installations across thousands of screens
• Digital and social media marketing
• Operational programming across theatres nationwide

According to a PVR representative, “It is highly unfortunate that a project promoted on this scale was pulled without any formal communication. As India’s leading theatrical platform, we expect basic standards of professionalism.”

The theatre chain alleges last-minute cancellations disrupted schedules and caused financial losses after the film’s bookings were already opened.

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🧑‍⚖️ Legal Proceedings Underway

The case was heard in Mumbai on Friday at 3 PM, with both parties present. A verdict is expected by Monday. Meanwhile, industry experts are questioning the ₹60 crore claim, stating that Bhool Chuk Maaf is a modest-budget film with a marketing budget not exceeding ₹25 crore.

An insider stated, “The ₹60 crore ask suggests an expected earning of ₹350 crore, which is far-fetched for a film of this scale.”

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🧵 Tags:

Bhool Chuk Maaf, PVR Inox vs Maddock Films, Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Amazon Prime Video, Maddock Films legal case, Bollywood controversies, India Pakistan tensions, OTT vs theatrical debate