The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order restraining the release of Raj Kumar Rao’s upcoming film Bhool Chuk Maaf on OTT or any other platform until eight weeks after its theatrical release at PVR Inox cinemas.
The order came on a petition filed by multiplex operator PVR Inox, which challenged the producers Maddock Films’ decision to cancel the scheduled theatrical release and opt for an OTT release. The film was originally set to release in cinemas across India on May 9 under an agreement signed on May 6, which included a clause prohibiting its release on any other platform for eight weeks after the theatrical debut.
Senior advocate Dinyar Madon, representing PVR Inox, argued that Maddock Films abruptly terminated the agreement a day before the scheduled release and announced plans to release the film directly on OTT on May 16. PVR Inox claimed this amounted to a breach of contract, especially as the company had already invested in promotions, reserved screens, and sold advance tickets.
Maddock Films’ counsel, Venkatesh Dhond, contended that the eight-week holdback clause was contingent on a theatrical release, which did not occur.
Justice Arif Doctor, however, observed that PVR Inox had fulfilled all contractual obligations and that the sudden cancellation would damage the company’s reputation and goodwill. The court noted that the matter required further examination and granted an interim stay on the film’s OTT release.
The court scheduled the next hearing for June 16 and directed Maddock Films to file its response before that date.
