Maddock Films has officially confirmed that their upcoming Bollywood drama Bhool Chuk Maaf will forgo its planned theatrical release and instead premiere directly on Amazon Prime Video on May 16, 2025. The announcement was made via Maddock’s social media handles, accompanied by the caption, “The spirit of the nation comes first!” The post also included a note addressing the recent nationwide security drills and the decision to prioritize public safety during uncertain times.
Originally scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9, Bhool Chuk Maaf stars Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in lead roles and was expected to be a heartfelt family entertainer. However, the shift in release strategy comes in the wake of a large-scale civil defence drill conducted across 259 locations on May 7. The exercise, which involved air raid sirens and blackouts, was a direct response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.
In an official statement, Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios explained that while they were eager to celebrate the film’s release with audiences in cinemas, “the spirit of the nation comes first.” The decision to pivot to OTT is being widely interpreted as a responsible move in light of current events, ensuring that the film reaches viewers in a safe and accessible manner during a time of heightened national alertness.
Nonetheless, industry insiders and social media users have also speculated that the abrupt change may be partially influenced by the film’s tepid pre-release buzz and projections of a low theatrical turnout. With the drama genre’s limited mass appeal and the present socio-political climate impacting cinema footfall, the move to Amazon Prime Video could be a strategic effort to salvage returns through a more secure digital platform. Regardless of motive, Bhool Chuk Maaf will now be available to stream globally on Prime Video starting May 16.