Fri May 09 14:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Bollywood Comedy “Bhool Chuk Maaf” Bypasses Theaters, Heads Straight to Prime Video
**Mumbai, India – May 9, 2024** – The upcoming Bollywood comedy-drama “Bhool Chuk Maaf,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, will skip its planned theatrical release and instead premiere on Prime Video on May 16. The decision, announced by Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios, cites heightened security concerns across India following recent escalating tensions with Pakistan.
Originally slated for a May 9 release, the film, directed by Karan Sharma, will now reach audiences worldwide via the streaming service. The producers stated that while they were looking forward to a theatrical release, the “spirit of the nation comes first.”
“Bhool Chuk Maaf,” set in Varanasi, follows the story of a hopeless romantic (Rao) who lands a government job in a bid to win over his beloved (Gabbi). However, his wedding day is disrupted by an unexpected time loop, leading to a humorous and heartwarming tale of love and second chances. The film marks the first on-screen collaboration between Rao and Gabbi.
Rao’s last film was the 2024 blockbuster “Stree 2,” while Gabbi was recently seen in “Baby John.” The shift to a streaming release marks a notable change for the film’s distribution strategy, prioritizing national security concerns over a traditional theatrical run.
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