Rajkummar Rao’s 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' Skips Theatres, Heads Directly to Streaming Amid Security Concerns
Originally slated for a May 9 theatrical release, the family entertainer starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will now stream on Amazon Prime Video starting May 16.
In response to heightened national security protocols and rising geopolitical tensions, the makers of Bhool Chuk Maaf have announced a change in release strategy. The film, headlined by Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will forgo its planned theatrical release on May 9 and instead premiere digitally on Amazon Prime Video on May 16.
The shift comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which have prompted increased vigilance and security drills across the country. In a joint statement issued Thursday, producers Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios cited these developments as the reason behind 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,” the statement read.
While the film was initially intended to have a theatrical opening, the producers said the "spirit of the nation comes first," signing off with a note of patriotism. Bhool Chuk Maaf also stars Sanjay Mishra, Seema Pahwa, Zakir Hussain and Raghubir Yadav.
The romantic-comedy was supposed to be the first theatrical outing of 2025 for Rao, who last year featured in films like Stree 2 and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. Gabbi, meanwhile, starred opposite Varun Dhawan in last year's Baby John.