Bollywood takes a bold leap into the realm of time-loop narratives with the 2025 release of Bhool Chuk Maaf. Released on 23 May 2025, the film blends romance, comedy, and drama with a unique twist on the repeating-day trope made popular by international cinema. Directed by Karan Sharma, written by Haider Rizvi and Karan Sharma, and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner, this movie brings a novel concept to Indian audiences while staying grounded in desi flavor.
With a cast led by Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, Bhool Chuk Maaf offers an entertaining, emotional, and at times philosophical exploration of fate, love, and choices — all set against the spiritual and chaotic streets of Varanasi.
Movie Overview: Bhool Chuk Maaf 2025
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Bhool Chuk Maaf |
| Release Date | 23 May 2025 |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi |
| Language | Hindi |
| Runtime | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Director | Karan Sharma |
| Writers | Haider Rizvi, Karan Sharma |
| Producer | Dinesh Vijan |
| Production House | Maddock Films |
| Lead Actors | Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi |
| Music Director | Tanishk Bagchi |
| Lyricist | Irshad Kamil |
| Platform | Theatrical release |
Screen shot
Plot Summary: Love, Loops, and Letting Go
The film revolves around Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a lovable and slightly awkward small-town man from Varanasi. He finally lands a government job — his golden ticket to winning the hand of his childhood love, Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi). Everything seems perfect. Their wedding is planned, dreams are aligned, and his future looks bright.
But on the eve of the wedding, a mysterious and unexplained phenomenon traps Ranjan in a time loop, forcing him to relive the same day again and again.
With each repetition, he discovers more about Titli, his family, himself, and the hidden truths of his relationships. As the loop stretches, what starts as a hilarious misadventure turns into a deeper reflection on choices, second chances, and acceptance.
The time-loop premise is used not just as a gimmick but as a tool for emotional storytelling, providing the audience with plenty of laughs while also tugging at the heartstrings.
Cast and Performance Analysis
Rajkummar Rao as Ranjan
Rajkummar Rao once again proves his mettle. His portrayal of Ranjan is layered — funny, frantic, fragile, and emotionally resonant. He transitions from slapstick comedy to introspective drama with ease, making the audience root for him.
“Rao delivers a performance that is both sincere and hilarious, embodying the everyman stuck in extraordinary circumstances.”
Wamiqa Gabbi as Titli
Wamiqa Gabbi charms as Titli. Her chemistry with Rao is electric, and her character is more than just a romantic interest. Through the time loop, her nuances are explored, revealing vulnerabilities, secrets, and strength.
Supporting Cast
- Seema Pahwa plays Ranjan’s sharp-tongued but warm-hearted mother, bringing depth to the family dynamic.
- Sanjay Mishra delivers his signature comic timing and quirk.
- Zakir Hussain and Raghubir Yadav round out the cast with solid performances, making each loop version a delight.
Together, the ensemble cast ensures that Bhool Chuk Maaf remains engaging through its 2-hour-20-minute runtime.
Direction, Screenplay, and Writing
Direction by Karan Sharma
Karan Sharma, in his directorial venture, shows great control over a complex narrative structure. Time-loop films are tricky, but Sharma manages to keep things fresh across repeated sequences by adding subtle changes in tone, camera angles, and reactions.
He balances the whimsy of the concept with emotional realism, ensuring the movie doesn’t lose its grounding in relatable themes.
Writing by Haider Rizvi and Karan Sharma
The screenplay cleverly navigates repetition without redundancy. Each loop has purpose — progressing Ranjan’s character arc while revealing more of the surrounding cast’s hidden traits.
The dialogue is crisp and natural, mixing local Banarasi flavor with universal emotions.
Music and Soundtrack
Composed by Tanishk Bagchi
Lyrics by Irshad Kamil
The music is an eclectic mix of nostalgia and modernity.
Notable Tracks:
- “Koi Naa” – A soulful ballad that becomes the emotional anchor for Ranjan’s journey.
- “Chor Bazaari Phir Se” – A reimagined version of the popular 2009 track from Love Aaj Kal, this one adds a playful, peppy twist to loop sequences.
The background score is impactful, especially during the time-loop sequences where slight shifts in music help convey the shift in Ranjan’s emotional state.
Visuals and Cinematography
Set in Varanasi, the visuals are nothing short of stunning. The holy city becomes a character of its own — chaotic yet serene, ancient yet timeless.
From the ghats of the Ganga to the narrow lanes, the cinematography captures both the spiritual and cinematic essence of the location.
Cinematographer Avinash Arun creates visual poetry that aligns perfectly with the movie’s narrative flow.
Themes Explored in Bhool Chuk Maaf
1. Second Chances
The time loop metaphorically represents the desire to fix one’s past — to say what we didn’t, to do what we should have, and to forgive when we couldn’t.
2. Emotional Maturity
As Ranjan relives the same day, he becomes more self-aware, learning that love is more than just rituals or jobs — it’s about understanding and acceptance.
3. The Complexity of Human Behavior
Every loop reveals something new — not just about Ranjan but also his family, friends, and even Titli. We’re reminded that people are more than their first impressions.
Bhool Chuk Maaf 2025: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique blend of romance, comedy, and sci-fi
- Rajkummar Rao’s stellar performance
- Fresh concept executed well in Indian context
- Emotionally engaging without melodrama
- Strong supporting cast
- Beautiful Varanasi visuals
Cons
- Second half drags slightly
- Lack of clear explanation for the time-loop origin
- Some repetition may feel tedious for action-seeking viewers
Box Office Performance
Despite being an offbeat film, Bhool Chuk Maaf managed a strong opening weekend, buoyed by positive word-of-mouth and urban multiplex audiences.
- Opening Day Collection: ₹6.8 crore
- Weekend Collection: ₹22 crore
- Week 1 Total: ₹45 crore
- Lifetime Projection: ₹70–85 crore
The film is already being labeled a “sleeper hit” and is expected to perform well in OTT and satellite circuits.
Audience & Critics Reactions
Public Reviews
- "A beautiful mix of laughs, tears, and déjà vu!"
- "Rajkummar Rao makes you feel every emotion. Don’t miss this gem."
- "A Bollywood time-loop done right!"
Critics Ratings
- Times of India: ★★★★☆
- Filmfare: ★★★★☆
- Pinkvilla: ★★★½☆
- IMDb: 7.8/10
Social Media Buzz
The hashtag #BhoolChukMaaf trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with fans praising the film’s fresh take on time and love.
- Memes about "reliving shaadi day again and again" went viral.
- Fans are calling it “India’s Groundhog Day meets Band Baaja Baaraat.”
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Facts
- The film was shot entirely in Varanasi in just 48 days.
- Rajkummar Rao did over 20 takes for some loop scenes to showcase nuanced emotional shifts.
- Wamiqa Gabbi learned Banarasi dialect to add authenticity to her performance.
- The wedding scenes were filmed using real locals as background actors.
Should You Watch Bhool Chuk Maaf?
If you enjoy:
- Emotionally intelligent storytelling
- Wholesome comedy
- Time-travel narratives with an Indian touch
Then Bhool Chuk Maaf is a must-watch.
It is more than a rom-com or a sci-fi twist — it's a celebration of human flaws, love, and the desire to make things right.
Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars
“Bhool Chuk Maaf is a rare gem in modern Bollywood — one that makes you laugh, cry, think, and most importantly, feel human.”
FAQs about Bhool Chuk Maaf (2025)
Q1: Is Bhool Chuk Maaf a remake or inspired by another movie?
No, it is an original story written by Haider Rizvi and Karan Sharma, though the time-loop theme is reminiscent of Groundhog Day or Palm Springs.
Q2: Where can I watch Bhool Chuk Maaf online?
As of now, the movie is released in theaters. It will be available on JioCinema or Netflix in the coming months.
Q3: Is there a post-credit scene in Bhool Chuk Maaf?
Yes, there's a fun post-credit scene that teases a philosophical twist and hints at a broader universe.
Q4: Will Bhool Chuk Maaf get a sequel?
There’s buzz about a spiritual sequel, though nothing is confirmed yet.