Rajkummar Rao’s “Bhool Chuk Maaf” opts for direct OTT release amid national security concerns

Following heightened India-Pakistan tensions and widespread emergency drills, Bhool Chuk Maaf will now premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 16, skipping its planned theatrical debut.

The much-anticipated family drama “Bhool Chuk Maaf”, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will no longer hit the big screens as planned. Due to recent developments concerning national security and large-scale mock drills being carried out across India, the film’s theatrical release has been officially cancelled. Instead, it’s heading straight to streaming.

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Originally scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9, the film will now premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on May 16, making it accessible to audiences worldwide from the comfort of their homes.

In a joint statement, the film’s producers—Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios—shared their 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 theatres, the spirit of the nation comes first.
JAI HIND”

The change in release strategy follows a serious escalation in India-Pakistan tensions. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine suspected terror camps in Pakistan, following a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. As a result, civil defense drills were executed across several cities to test emergency response mechanisms.

Actor Rajkummar Rao spoke about the situation, saying,
“We stand with the decisions taken by our government. What happened in Pahalgam was heartbreaking and angered the entire country. We are united in this moment and extremely proud of our armed forces.”

Bhool Chuk Maaf is helmed by director Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios. The film blends comedy, drama, and family dynamics, making it an ideal watch for a broad audience.

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To keep the buzz alive ahead of its OTT debut, the team recently released a vibrant dance number titled “Ting Ling Sajna”, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Dhanashree Verma. The song, performed by Madhubanti Bagchi and Tanishk Bagchi, with lyrics by the renowned Irshad Kamil, quickly gained popularity online for its upbeat vibe and catchy choreography.