Occupancy climbs, audience builds
The second Saturday brought a noticeable jump in footfalls. On 31 May, the film posted a strong ₹5.15 crore, according to early estimates. The overall Hindi occupancy on Day 9 was 18.02%, with shows filling up as the day progressed. Morning shows began at a quiet 7.52%, but the buzz picked up—afternoon shows hit 19.34%, evening shows reached 21.32%, and night shows peaked at 23.91%.
Box office breakdown (India nett)
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹7 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹9.5 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹11.5 crore
- Day 4 (Monday): ₹4.5 crore
- Day 5 (Tuesday): ₹4.75 crore
- Day 6 (Wednesday): ₹3.5 crore
- Day 7 (Thursday): ₹3.35 crore
- Week 1 total: ₹44.1 crore
- Day 8 (Second Friday): ₹3.25 crore
- Day 9 (Second Saturday): ₹5.15 crore
Running total: ₹52.50 crore (as per Sacnilk’s early data)
Updated figure from Maddock Films press note: ₹54.12 crore
A tale of love, mistakes and second chances
Set in the spiritual city of Banaras, the story follows Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a man in love with Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi). But Ranjan won’t marry her until he secures a government job. In a twist of fate, he ends up in a time loop after breaking a vow to Lord Shiva. What follows is a strange, moving and often funny journey, filled with repetition, reflection, and personal growth.
The supporting cast includes Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Ishtiyak Khan and Raghuvir Yadav, all bringing texture to the film’s mystical setting.
Originally intended for OTT
Interestingly, Bhool Chuk Maaf was initially headed for a direct OTT release. That plan changed. The filmmakers opted for a theatrical launch instead, and so far, it’s paid off.
The film has managed to outperform expectations, especially in a competitive release window. It has held its own against major global releases such as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which earned ₹3.75 crore nett on its second Saturday in India and ₹87 crore across 15 days. Also in the mix is Final Destination: Bloodlines, which reached ₹52.1 crore nett in 17 days.
Critical response: Mixed but engaging
The response from critics has been a blend of praise and criticism. The Times of India rated the film 3/5, noting that, “The first half takes a bit too long to get to the point with innumerable songs added for no rhyme or reason. Humour is largely clean and safe if you excuse the occasional ‘tatti jokes’. It’s the second half that changes the game. It is here that the film addresses growing apathy, isolated existence, and self-centric living.”
Director Karan Sharma’s work, under Maddock Films, seems to have struck a chord with younger viewers, who are increasingly drawn to offbeat romantic dramas. The time-loop device, though familiar, has been reimagined with cultural flavour and spiritual overtones.
What began as a modest theatrical run is now showing staying power. With rising daily figures and weekend boosts, Bhool Chuk Maaf is proving that stories with soul—and a bit of risk—can still find a place on the big screen.
