The Bombay high court on May 9 granted interim injunction in PVR Inox vs. Maddock Films dispute. Justice Arif S. Doctor granted an ad interim injunction in favour of PVR Inox Limited against Maddock Films Pvt. Ltd. and others. The order restrains the defendants from releasing Bhool Chuk Maaf on any platform, including OTT services, until an 8-week holdback period from its scheduled theatrical release on May 9, 2025, at PVR Inox cinemas.
The dispute arose when Maddock Films terminated an agreement with PVR Inox on May 8, 2025, announcing the film’s direct release on an OTT platform (Amazon Prime) on May 16, 2025, citing security concerns. PVR Inox argued that the termination was a breach of the agreement, which mandated a theatrical release and an 8-week exclusivity period before OTT release. The court found no justifiable grounds for the termination, rejecting claims of security issues and commercial imprudence.
The court emphasised that allowing the defendants to renege on the agreement would violate commercial morality and contract law. It dismissed arguments that PVR Inox’s claim for damages precluded injunctive relief, citing section 42 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963.
The defendants were directed to file their reply within two weeks, with the matter listed for further hearing on June 16, 2025.