Try GOLD - Free

Blocked buster

Hindustan Times Gurugram

|

May 25, 2025

The tussle between theatrical dates and streaming release has entered a new phase, with a Rs 60-crore lawsuit thrown in

- Deepanjana Pal

When Maddock Films decided to take Bhool Chuk Maaf straight to streaming, they probably didn't think it would lead to a Rs 60-crore lawsuit.

Tensions between India and Pakistan were high around the original release date, May 9. The Indian Premier League had been suspended. This, the producers felt, was not an ideal time to release, in theatres, a mid-sized comedy with no A-listers on its cast.

The theatre owners were livid, a mood no doubt exacerbated by the fact that Maddock announced its decision to go straight to streaming on May 8, a day before the scheduled theatrical release.

In a time of steadily declining footfall for cinemas, the new Maddock film had shimmered with possibility. This production company has served up a number of surprise hits in recent years, including the comedy horrors Munjya (2024) and Stree 2 (2024). It was also behind this year's biggest blockbuster so far, Chhaava.

MORE STORIES FROM Hindustan Times Gurugram

Hindustan Times Gurugram

BLOs on Bengal SIR duty demand security

BOTH TMC AND BJP HAVE LODGED COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED INTIMIDATION BY RIVAL LEADERS

time to read

2 mins

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

Hindustan Times Gurugram

Tusk master

He grew up rescuing parakeets, snakes and monkeys. Started his first NGO at 19, to save the Delhi Ridge from being turned into a rose garden. To peers, he's 'the elephant guy', for the years he spent undercover, tracking illegal trade. Menon is now the first Asian to head IUCN's Species Survival Commission, which shapes the pivotal global Red List of Endangered Species. 'There should be a lot more species on that list. We need to move fast,' he says

time to read

4 mins

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

ATTEMPTS TO BAN RSS FAILED IN PAST, CONGRESS MUST LEARN: HOSABALE

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Saturday said the organisation cannot be banned just because somebody wishes so, and those making such a demand should learn from past experiences.

time to read

1 min

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

Swipe left on marriage mistakes: Relationship coach on the ways couples self-destruct

Divorce rates are surging globally, and relationship coach Javal Bhatt says that the warning signs often appear long before the wedding.

time to read

1 min

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

CM attacker’s health stable, say jail officials

Tihar jail authorities on Saturday informed a Delhi court that adequate medical attention has been provided to the accused who allegedly assaulted Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta in August this year.

time to read

1 min

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

WHY IT IS SUDDENLY 'EMBARRASSING' TO HAVE A BOYFRIEND

From Lily Allen's breakup album to viral memes, Gen Z women are rebranding singlehood as self-preservation and the internet can't stop talking about it

time to read

2 mins

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

Pb guv sanctions Majithia’s prosecution in DA case

Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria has granted sanction to prosecute Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia in a disproportionate assets case filed by the state Vigilance Bureau (VB), officials aware of the details said on Saturday.

time to read

2 mins

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

India near end of LWE, says PM in Chhattisgarh

Speaking at the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav in Nava Raipur, marking the 25th anniversary of the state's formation, Modi hailed Chhattisgarh's journey of progress, saying that the seed sown 25 years ago had now grown into a \"vat vriksh\" (banyan tree) of development.

time to read

1 min

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

Guess what? Also guess where, guess who and guess why

Catherine Connolly is anti establishment. Thom Yorke is pro Palestine. Sal Khan has a new job. Melissa goes by different names. It'll all make sense once you take this quiz

time to read

2 mins

November 02, 2025

Hindustan Times Gurugram

JUDICIARY STRONG DUE TO COLLEGIUM SYSTEM: CJI GAVAI

Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai on Saturday said that the collegium system has enabled the judiciary in the country to be strong, independent and free from the executive or Parliamentary interference.

time to read

1 min

November 02, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size