Major Legal Setback for Maddock Films
In a major legal setback for Maddock Films, the Bombay High Court on May 9, 2025, granted ad interim relief to PVR Inox Limited that would essentially prevent the OTT release of Bhool Chuk Maaf before an 8-week theatrical holdback period as per a binding contract.
Timeline of Events and Breach Allegation
The situation began when Maddock Films cancelled the theatrical release on May 6, when the film was to release on May 7; claiming national security issues, Maddock Films then moved to a digital release on Amazon Prime Video. PVR Inox argued that Maddock’s sudden change was a breach of contract (as of May 6, Maddock had stated to PVR Inox that the film was to have a theatrical first release before it moved on OTT).
Court Finds Maddock’s OTT Shift “Commercially Driven, Not Legally Justified”
Justice Arif S Doctor commented that Maddock Films’ response was “purely commercial”, and there was “no governmental order issued pursuant to any statutory provision or force majeure” to support the change. Maddock cited “national security” concerns, but it was pretty clear from the evidence that not only was there no impact on the locations of release (31 PVR screens in New Delhi for its release, advertising was done ahead of time, and advance bookings were open).
The Court Ruled as Follows:
- A final contractual agreement cannot be voided simply due to the scenarios of a commercial renegotiation.
- The contract can not contain a valid force majeure clause.
- Copyright ownership does not preclude the continuing obligations of the parties.
Maddock’s Arguments Rejected; Court Upholds PVR’s Injunction Rights
Maddock Films stated that they were entitled to proceed to OTT due to the cancellation and that PVR had waived the right to an injunction because they were claiming damages. The Court disagreed and directed its attention to section 42 of the Specific Relief Act, which permits a plaintiff to seek injunctive relief when claiming damages in a parallel proceeding.
Justice Doctor drew attention to the cancellations on a late notice issue in the exhibition world and stated cancellations caused not simply a sphere of monetary losses but tainted the goodwill and integrity of their theatre chains with their customer base.
What Does This Ruling Mean for the Future of Bhool Chuk Maaf?
The ruling prevents Maddock Films from releasing Bhool Chuk Maaf or any potential Valiant or non-theatrical release on any platform before the required mandatory 8-week statutory holdback from its first theatrical release.
In this case, it first never arrived, and the holdback period is still in place until a court says otherwise.
The case is set out for further hearing on June 16, 2025, at which time the parties can propose an effective date and understandings. Until that date, there is a legally enforceable bar on all dimensions of planning for a streaming premiere.
BoxOfficeWorldwide Verdict
This courtroom twist to the Bhool Chuk Maaf story sparks an important shift in Bollywood’s always-changing release landscape. The Bombay High Court upheld the sanctity of a contractual obligation, arguably to protect the theatrical ecosystem but perhaps more as a reminder for creators not to instinctively make changes at the last minute based on commercial imperatives. The case continues June 16. The industry is watching closely!
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