PVR Inox Files Rs 60 Cr Lawsuit Over Bhool Chuk Maaf Cancellation

PVR Inox, one of India’s premier multiplex chains, has taken a dramatic turn by filing a Rs 60 crore lawsuit against the production house behind Bhool Chuk Maaf. The legal action, now in the Bombay High Court, follows claims that the film’s cancellation was not due to tragic circumstances, as announced, but rather because of poor advance bookings. This development has stirred considerable attention in the industry, with insiders pointing to a breach of contract that may have long-term repercussions.

Legal Dispute Unfolds

In recent reports, PVR Inox’s decision to sue centers on the fact that all contractual agreements were in place before the film’s release was abruptly scrapped. A prominent exhibitor disclosed, “PVR has submitted their case in the Bombay High Court. The matter became serious as all the contracts were signed, and then suddenly Maddock backed off. Hence, this is a case of ‘breach of contract’.” This statement underscores the seriousness with which the exhibitor views the situation, emphasizing that a legally binding agreement existed for a theatrical release.

The controversy deepened when the production banner cited the tragic aftermath of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam as the reason for cancelling the release. However, PVR Inox has challenged this narrative, alleging that the decision was largely influenced by extremely low advance bookings. The multiplex chain contends that, given the contractual obligations, the film could have been released after a brief delay to counter any dip in footfalls. Instead, the decision to opt immediately for an OTT platform has left exhibitors reeling.

Force Majeure And Contractual Implications

An industry insider further elaborated on the potential legal nuances of the case, noting, “Maddock probably must have added the ‘force majeure’ clause, which refers to an unforeseen event or circumstance, like a natural disaster or war, that prevents a party from fulfilling their contractual obligations. Hence, they might have an edge.” While this legal shield may offer Maddock Films some defense against the claim, PVR Inox remains adamant that the makers could have pursued a delayed theatrical release to mitigate the impact of poor advance bookings. The swift move to release the film on OTT platforms is viewed as a significant factor that has incited the legal suit, with many exhibitors worried that it may set an unwelcome precedent in the industry.

Bollywood Hungama, a respected name in film journalism, reported on this contentious issue and reiterated the perspectives shared by multiple sources. Alongside the legal dispute, it’s noteworthy that just eight days earlier, Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films and Ajay Bijli of PVR Inox had shared the stage at WAVES 2025, highlighting a period of apparent camaraderie before this fallout. This juxtaposition of friendly interactions and now a bitter legal battle adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga.

Industry Impact And Exhibitor Concerns

Exhibitors are alarmed by what they see as a strategic move by some production houses to bypass the traditional cinematic release altogether. The ill-timed shift to OTT not only diminishes physical attendance but also disrupts the business models of multiplex chains like PVR Inox. With successful collaborations in the past—such as with films like Stree 2 (2024) where PVR was a distributor, and Sky Force (2025) where it served as the sole distributor—the stakes are particularly high. This legal action appears aimed at ensuring that no other producer attempts to adopt a similar strategy that could compromise the revenue model of theatrical exhibitions.

For viewers seeking more insights, an Instagram post by Bollywood Hungama (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJd2bFXs8Ry/) sheds further light on this dispute. The post, shared by the renowned handle @realbollywoodhungama, highlights the nuances of this legal conflict and the broader industry implications. Such digital updates serve to keep audiences informed as the case unfolds.

Looking Ahead

While legal experts suggest that the inclusion of a force majeure clause could tilt the balance in favor of Maddock Films, PVR Inox is determined to argue that the makers had alternative options. The legal proceedings are expected to examine whether a brief postponement of the theatrical release might have mitigated the negative impact on seller footfalls. This case is being closely watched by industry players who fear that a ruling in favor of the production house might embolden similar strategies by other producers.

The outcome of this suit is likely to influence future contractual negotiations and distribution strategies. The legal battle not only challenges the existing practices in film release strategies but also sets a potential benchmark for how traditional exhibitors interact with the evolving landscape of OTT platforms.

Conclusion

In summary, the Rs 60 crore lawsuit by PVR Inox against the makers of Bhool Chuk Maaf marks a significant inflection point in the film exhibition arena. The dispute, rooted in conflicting interpretations of contractual obligations and the strategic shift to OTT, lays bare the challenges faced by traditional multiplex chains in a rapidly changing industry. As the Bombay High Court begins to deliberate on the matter, industry insiders and audiences alike are left to wonder whether this case will redefine the rules of film distribution in an era driven by digital streaming platforms.

Reporter

Preeti JhaSenior creative producer

 

With nearly two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Preeti Jha is a creative producer and director known for her expertise in content creation, production management, and storytelling. Currently serving as a senior creative producer at IncNut Digital, Preeti plays a pivotal role in developing high-impact digital content, overseeing creative strategy, and managing production workflows.

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