Bhool Chuk Maaf, which means “Forgive My Mistakes,” is a Hindi-language romantic comedy that creatively combines elements of science fiction.
Directed and penned by Karan Sharma, and produced by Maddock Films in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios (their first project in Indian cinema), the film features an unconventional narrative structure supported by standout performances and a central theme of a time loop.
Starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, the movie seeks to delve into themes of love, forgiveness, destiny, and self-discovery—all presented within a comedic yet thought-provoking framework.
Plot Summary
The core of Bhool Chuk Maaf revolves around Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a kind-hearted and ordinary man who is madly in love with Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi), a lively and independent woman.
Just as they are set to marry, Ranjan unexpectedly becomes ensnared in a time loop—waking up repeatedly on the day prior to their wedding.
As he experiences this day on repeat, Ranjan uncovers hidden truths and past errors that need rectifying—not only to escape the loop but also to secure a meaningful future with his beloved.
The film utilizes this premise to intertwine humor, romance, and philosophical inquiries pertaining to second chances.
Performances
Rajkummar Rao shines with a performance that exudes warmth, confusion, and emotional richness.
His comedic timing is impeccable, enabling him to lend authenticity to a role that could have easily ventured into absurdity.
Wamiqa Gabbi, building on her recent success on OTT platforms, stands strong alongside Rao.
She infuses the character of Titli with elegance, charm, and resilience, portraying a woman navigating the complexities of love and her personal identity.
Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Raghubir Yadav, and Zakir Hussain contribute significantly, enhancing the film’s humor and emotional depth with their experienced presence on screen.
Direction and Writing
Karan Sharma, in his directorial debut, presents a story that is both innovative and grounded in emotion.
The time-loop concept—often seen in Hollywood titles like Groundhog Day and Palm Springs—is examined from an Indian perspective.
Sharma ensures that the emotional ties and cultural subtleties remain present throughout.
Nevertheless, the screenplay occasionally lacks coherence.
The film shifts between various tones—quirky, philosophical, romantic, and comedic—which, while ambitious, can feel somewhat disconnected at points.
Despite this, Sharma’s writing resonates emotionally and is at times quite profound.
Cinematography and Editing
Sudeep Chatterjee, recognized for his contributions to films such as Padmaavat and Chak De! India, lends a sharp visual quality to the narrative.
His cinematography effectively captures both the intimacy of small-town India and the surreal nature of the time loop with visual elegance.
Editor Manish Pradhan maintains a fast-paced narrative, although the middle portion tends to become monotonous (possibly by design), mirroring Ranjan’s continuous loop.
The film has a runtime of 121 minutes but might have benefited from being more concise by cutting out redundant scenes.
Music and Sound
The film’s score, crafted by Ketan Sodha, gently enhances the emotional high points and moments of insight.
Tanishk Bagchi, who created the songs for the film, delivers catchy and romantic tunes.
Among the standout tracks are:
“Koi Na” – A love song infused with a contemporary feel.
“Chor Bazaari Phir Se” – A lively dance number that creatively reinterprets a cherished melody.
The music aligns well with the film’s atmosphere without overshadowing the story, which is a smart decision given the intricacies of the narrative.
Themes and Symbolism
Bhool Chuk Maaf transcends the mere concept of time travel.
It deeply explores themes of self-examination and the consequences of daily decisions.
The loop metaphor serves to illustrate that until one takes ownership of their errors and pursues redemption, they remain trapped—emotionally or otherwise.
The central theme revolves around forgiveness, not solely from others but also from oneself.
The film subtly critiques societal expectations surrounding marriage, relationships, and personal development.
Reception and Audience Response
Upon its release, Bhool Chuk Maaf garnered a mixed-to-positive reaction from critics and viewers:
Times of India lauded the film’s “deceptively meaningful” message but pointed out issues with pacing.
NDTV criticized the movie for “going round and round in circles,” alluding to its dependence on the time-loop concept.
Hindustan Times referred to it as a “tiring comedy” but acknowledged Rajkummar Rao’s dependable performance.
Conversely, social media users reacted more positively, with many praising the film for its innovative approach in mainstream Bollywood and celebrating the chemistry between the lead characters.
The hashtag #BhoolChukMaaf trended on the release day, with many describing it as “refreshing,” “quirky,” and “worth watching.”
Box Office and Future Outlook
The film raked in ₹8.83 crore at the Indian box office, a modest figure yet promising for a movie of this kind.
Given its experimental narrative and the niche popularity of science fiction in Bollywood, the earnings indicate an increasing willingness from audiences to embrace new concepts.
The film is slated to debut on Amazon Prime Video on June 6, 2025, allowing it a second opportunity to reach viewers on OTT, where unconventional comedies often find a broader audience.
Final Verdict
Bhool Chuk Maaf represents a charming effort to introduce innovation into Bollywood storytelling. While it isn’t flawless, it effectively merges entertainment with emotional depth.
The time-loop structure enhances narrative suspense, and the performances—particularly by Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi—maintain viewer interest.
If you’re seeking a film that surpasses clichés, invites reflection on love and second chances, while also providing humor and heart, Bhool Chuk Maaf is certainly worthy of your attention.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Quick Overview
Release Date: 23 May 2025
Director & Writer: Karan Sharma
Produced by: Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films), Amazon MGM Studios
Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Raghubir Yadav, Zakir Hussain
Running Time: 121 minutes
Language: Hindi
Box Office: ₹8.83 crore (India gross)
Do check out: Netflix Web series The Royals (2025) Review
