Bhool Chuk Maaf Box Office Collection, Controversy Over Alleged Self-Booking Scam

When Bhool Chuk Maaf hit the theatres on May 23, 2025, expectations were modest. Yet, the box office numbers told a different story—one that has stirred up significant controversy in Bollywood circles. Headlined by Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, the time-loop romantic comedy has quickly garnered attention, not only for its plot but more so for its alleged inflated earnings.

Bhool Chuk Maaf Box Office Collection: Surprising Figures Raise Eyebrows

Despite lukewarm reviews and poor word-of-mouth, the film astonishingly collected ₹7 crore on its opening day. This figure only grew stronger with ₹9.5 crore on Day 2 and ₹11.5 crore on Day 3, resulting in a weekend total of ₹28 crore. Even on its first Monday (Day 4), Bhool Chuk Maaf added another ₹2 crore, taking its four-day total to approximately ₹30 crore.

These numbers have come under scrutiny, especially given the movie’s sub-30% occupancy rates across Indian cinemas, as reported by Sacnilk. According to industry insiders, such a mismatch between footfall and revenue is unprecedented, leading to widespread allegations of ‘self-booking’ or ‘corporate bookings’ orchestrated by the production house, Maddock Films.

Maddock Films Under Fire: Trade Analysts Allege Box Office Rigging

Trade analyst Sumit Kadel has been vocal about the discrepancy. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he alleged that the real organic collections were between ₹2.3–5 crore and everything beyond that appears artificially inflated. Kadel labeled the incident as “unprecedented malpractice,” and questioned the credibility of reported box office data.

This isn’t the first time Maddock Films has been in the eye of such a storm. Similar accusations were leveled against them during the releases of Chhaava and Sky Force. The latest allegations have once again spotlighted the dubious practice of padding box office numbers to influence viewer perception and digital distribution valuations.

Further muddying the waters, Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy at PVR INOX, tweeted in support of the film, calling it a “genuine hit.” This came just weeks after PVR had a legal tussle with Maddock over the film’s release strategy, raising questions about industry collusion and integrity.

Discounted Tickets and OTT Strategy: Smoke and Mirrors?

One potential reason for the inflated earnings could be the steep ticket discounts offered on Day 1, which aimed to draw in more footfall. However, the fact that the film is set to release on Amazon Prime Video by June 6—a mere two weeks post its theatrical debut—has confused many moviegoers. Normally, such a short window would cannibalize cinema revenues, not inflate them.

Critics argue this dual strategy of leveraging both OTT and theatrical platforms may have led Maddock to artificially inflate box office figures to project a sense of success ahead of its digital release. If true, this tactic could not only mislead audiences but also disrupt genuine market analysis for other upcoming films.

Bhool Chuk Maaf vs Kesari Veer: Clash of Disparities

Compounding the controversy is its box office rivalry with Kesar Veer, another underwhelming release starring Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi. In stark contrast, Kesar Veer managed to net only ₹88 lakh over the first three days, despite launching on the same weekend. By Day 4, the difference in collections between the two films stood at over ₹29 crore.

While it’s common for films to outperform others during a weekend clash, such a massive margin, especially when both films suffered from poor reviews and low buzz, only fuels suspicion.

The Industry Reacts: A Need for Transparency

Industry watchers and netizens alike are calling for greater transparency in box office reporting. As digital platforms and OTT deals become central to a film’s financial ecosystem, accurate reporting is not just a matter of pride—it directly impacts investments, future projects, and trust among cinema-goers.

As of now, Maddock Films has not issued an official response to the allegations. Whether this silence is strategic or simply a refusal to engage remains to be seen.

For more Bollywood news and latest updates, check our English news section and related coverage on Bollywood controversies.

External data has been cross-referenced with Sacnilk, a trusted industry source for Indian box office reporting.

Bhool Chuk Maaf box office collection continues to dominate the headlines—not for its story or stars, but for the storm it has sparked. As the film inches closer to its OTT release, all eyes remain on whether the truth about its numbers will ever be revealed.

FAQs about Bhool Chuk Maaf Box Office Collection

Is Bhool Chuk Maaf a hit or a flop?

Despite earning over ₹30 crore in four days, many experts question the authenticity of these numbers due to low theatre occupancy and alleged self-bookings.

What is the total collection of Bhool Chuk Maaf so far?

As of Day 4, Bhool Chuk Maaf has reportedly collected around ₹30 crore at the domestic box office.

Why is there controversy around the movie’s box office numbers?

Trade analysts allege that Maddock Films has inflated the collection figures using corporate bookings, especially since actual footfall was low.

When is Bhool Chuk Maaf releasing on OTT?

The film is scheduled to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on June 6, 2025.

How does Bhool Chuk Maaf compare with Kesari Veer?

Bhool Chuk Maaf has outperformed Kesari Veer significantly, earning over ₹30 crore compared to Kesari Veer’s ₹98 lakh by Day 4.

Has Maddock Films responded to the box office rigging allegations?

No, the production house has not issued any official statement as of now.