'Spirit of the nation comes first': 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' makers choose direct OTT release amid rising India-Pak tensions

'Bhool Chuk Maaf' was originally scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on May 9, but concerns over possible disruptions to public life led to a change in the distribution strategy.

Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf, scheduled to release on May 9, has been postponed due to heightened security drills.

The makers have announced that the film will forgo its theatrical release and premiere directly on an OTT platform. Even the special shows organised for today for media have been cancelled due to the uncertainty looming and safety concerns rising in India post-Operation Sindoor.

Maddock Films took to their social media accounts and wrote,

“The spirit of the nation comes first! 🇮🇳

Watch Bhool Chuk Maaf directly on @primevideoin, May 16.

#BhoolChukMaafOnPrime” (sic).

The statement from Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios read: "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 theaters, the spirit of nation comes first. JAI HIND" (sic)

Set in Varanasi, the film features Rajkummar Rao as Ranjan, a man eagerly awaiting his wedding with his girlfriend Titli (Gabbi). However, he finds himself stuck in a time loop, waking up every day on the morning of his Haldi ceremony.

Directed by Karan Sharma, Bhool Chuk Maaf stars Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in lead roles. Veterans like Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra and Raghubir Yadav will also be seen in crucial roles.

Produced by Dinesh Vijay under the banner Maddock Films, the family entertainer Bhool Chuk Maaf will now stream on Amazon Prime from May 16 instead of May 9 due to concerns over rising tensions between India and Pakistan that led to a change in distribution strategy.