Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ CANCELS theatrical release amid rising India-Pakistan tensions

The much-awaited romantic comedy ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’, starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, was all set for a big-screen release on 9 May. But with rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the film’s theatrical release has now been cancelled. Instead, fans will be enjoying it from the comfort of their homes as it heads to OTT next week. The film will now premiere on the OTT platform worldwide on 16 May.An official joint statement from the makers reads, “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 the nation comes first.”Rajkummar Rao, who plays the lead role in the film, in an interview with Hindustan Times, spoke emotionally about the tragedy and the government’s response. “Whatever decision that our administration is taking, we are with them in it, because what has happened, should not have happened. It made us all very, very angry, very sad. So absolutely we are in it together as a nation and we are extremely proud of our armed forces,” he said.His co-star Wamiqa Gabbi, who plays the female lead, also showed her full support, “That's exactly how all three of us (Rajkummar, Wamiqa, and Karan) are feeling, and I think the whole nation is feeling. And yeah, we are with them, I mean hum hi toh hain. Toh bilkul. Jaise bhi hai, jo bhi, we are with the nation. For sure.”While real-life events have stirred the nation, ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ aims to bring smiles with a unique love story full of heart and humour. The film is set in the lively streets of Varanasi, and follows Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a sweet and simple man who dreams of marrying his love Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi). But just when everything seems perfect, things take a strange turn—Ranjan gets stuck in a time loop, living the same day again and again, the day before their wedding!