Amid heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor, actor Rajkummar Rao and the makers of his upcoming film 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' have made a bold decision: the film will no longer be released in theatres as planned on May 9, and will instead premiere directly on Amazon Prime Video on May 16. The move, made in light of public safety concerns, has sparked mixed reactions within the film industry.

Why the Change?

Maddock Films, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, cited “safety reasons” due to the sensitive national environment following India's air strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. An official statement read:

“In view of the recent incident, due to safety reasons, Maddock Films and Amazon MGM Studios have decided to bring the film directly to Prime Video.”

Rajkummar Rao also shared the announcement on his social media, adding:

“The feeling of the nation comes first.”

Industry Backlash

While the move has been appreciated by some for prioritizing audience safety, exhibitors and distributors are reportedly upset. They argue that instead of pulling the plug on the theatrical release, the film could have been postponed, especially considering Rao’s strong box office record — his last hit, Stree 2, grossed over ₹800 crore globally.

One exhibitor said:

“This decision affects our business. A postponement would have been a better middle ground.”

The Film

Bhool Chuk Maaf is a romantic comedy starring Rajkummar Rao and Vamika Gabbi. The film was anticipated to draw crowds due to its fresh pairing and light-hearted narrative. Now, the OTT release on May 16 will make the film globally accessible, but the change has sparked debate over how political tension is affecting the entertainment industry.

Not the Only One

Rao isn’t the only star taking precautions:

• Salman Khan has postponed his UK tour
• Aamir Khan delayed the trailer release of Sitare Zameen Par
• Multiple concerts and events have been put on hold