Bhool Chuk Maaf

wogma rating: Don't bother (?)

quick review:

Two elements exist. The time-loop concept and the "moral of the story." Whichever came to the makers first, the other feels terribly forced. In either case, what's the case for the loud story-telling, the stretched-out pacing, the thoughtlessness of it all?

(Streaming Partner: Amazon Prime)

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Director: Karan Sharma
Running time: 120 minutes
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I have so many questions, all of which can be summed up with, "What were they thinking?"

The second half picks up pace, but it's too late by then.

Why is Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi) in love with Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao)? The man has no redeeming qualities. And the writers knew there was no reason for her to love him, which is why they narrate the love story through animation in the title sequence. Cool, it is, but it's not followed up with anything worthwhile. The bigger question is…

Why is it accompanied by extra loud music? Why does the entire movie have extra loud, extra slapstick and extra random music? The music is so loud that it feels like even when the shooting was on, the actors couldn't hear each other. This would explain why they all ended up shouting at each other and over one another throughout the film. And it's not like they have anything of import to say.

It is to their credit that despite the lack of depth in the writing, at least a few times in the film, I wondered if they weren't made to shout, we would have seen some very good performances. They deliver the few good lines with decent timing. But there's only so much they can do because yelling-contests are marked by regressive, problematic one-liners—from misogyny and body-shaming to classism and casteism.

What made them give away the crux of the film in the trailer when they were going to spend half the film on the set-up? The first hour seems atrociously long—I couldn't wait for the interval break. The second half picks up pace, but it's too late by then.

What was the whole preachy speech in the end for? It is not like Ranjan did what he did out of the goodness of his heart. He is pretty much forced to do it. He didn't really have a moral compass, even a tiny one. And the film itself uses a suspicious mechanism to bring its "moral of the story," into play. Sure, "do your deeds, don't expect results from them," is a good go-to mantra to make a "message" out of. But the other one seemed highly dubious.

Was Varanasi chosen as the backdrop to bring the end "angle" into the works? Because it is not like Varanasi had anything to do with the rest of the story. Just like the other angle. It could have been any other town, just like it could be a person with any other name. Maybe just like Ranjan, the makers wanted to feel good about themselves. ~ ~ ~ Oh, and wait, why was a break-up song chosen as the end-credit sequence?

- meeta, a part of the audience

21 reviewers(?) - 6 yays 11 so-so 4 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Subhash k jha, Bolly Spice : ...The performers are all in top form, except for Wamiqa Gabbi, who plays Rajkummar Rao’s love interest on a constantly screechy note. She loves Rao’s character but doesn’t like him. We feel something the opposite for the film.... full review

Thumbs up, DNA : ...Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films and co-produced by Sharda Karki Jalota, this is a summer release that doesn’t just entertain—it uplifts. Don’t miss this one. It’s not just a movie—it’s a warm, heartfelt storytelling we didn’t know we needed!... full review

Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...Bhool Chuk Maaf thankfully doesn’t bring divinity into the foreground. The protagonist learns his lesson gradually and completes an arc while going through some really absurd situations. The situational comedy and dialogue, coupled with credible performances, make you accept the time loop anomaly with a pinch of salt.... full review

Thumbs up, by Jaya Dwivedie, India TV : ...If you want to watch a light-hearted and heart-warming film with family this summer, then this is the perfect choice. Produced by Dinesh Vijan, this film is co-produced by Sharada Karki Jalota and written and directed by Karan Sharma. This is one of those films that goes straight to the heart without making any noise. This film is not only worth watching, but it will also stay with you outside the theatre.... full review

Thumbs up, by Rajiv Vijaykar, Komal Nahta : ...Bhool Chuk Maaf belongs to the canon of Bareilly Ki Barfi and similar small-town comedies with a message, and can be savoured as a pleasant watch.... full review

Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...Karan Sharma’s direction ensures that the viewer remains invested until the final surprise. His ability to take a complex idea like a time loop and fuse it with a rooted, desi romantic comedy is no easy task—but Karan pulls it off with flair. Overall, it’s a complete family entertainer, a refreshing escape, and a much-needed dose of meaningful cinema in today’s era.... full review

So-So, by Aakash kumar, Filmi Beat : ...On the whole, Bhool Chuk Maaf had an interesting idea and a talented cast, but it fails to deliver a strong story. While it has its moments, the film doesn't leave a lasting impression, as even cracking one-liners couldn't save it. Rajkummar Rao shines, and the second half is enjoyable, but overall, it's a one-time watch at best.... full review

So-So, FirstPost : ...Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi film fail to save a faulty script. As I hate to run down the efforts of any filmmaker, the won’t say that the movie is a complete washout, there are few moments too that can kindle some laughs.... full review

So-So, by Rishabh Suri, Hindustan Times : ...Overall, Bhool Chuk Maaf, a time-loop comedy, ends up stuck in a loop of its own clichés. The only thing harder to escape than a time loop is Rajkummar’s contract with small-town scripts. It tries to be a comedy, flirts with a social message, and ends up being the cinematic equivalent of a WhatsApp forward — familiar, repetitive, and mildly amusing at best.... full review

So-So, by Shalini langer, indian express : ...Yet, this need not have been such a stew of Ghat meets Groundhog Day. There are very many good actors in Bhool Chuk Maaf, starting with Rao, and including several usual suspects that Bollywood casts when it comes to Uttar Pradesh. They serve their own roles well. Gabbi is pretty and proficient, but, sadly, the most half-baked of them. There are also very many scenes which work on their own, and even evoke some laughs.... full review

So-So, by Lekha menon, Khaleej Times : ...Bhool Chuk Maaf falls squarely into the ‘meh’ category — films that are harmless and inoffensive, but so devoid of sharpness, wit or even a surprising twist that they just drift past you. There’s clearly an attempt to say something meaningful about second chances, working hard, faith and human decency, but the storytelling is too bland.... full review

So-So, MiD DAY : ...The film has an ensemble cast, and each character fits the bill, leaving no stone unturned to deliver a powerful onscreen portrayal with adequate comic timing. Rajkummar and Wamiqa, aided by the use of regional dialect, are a treat to watch. Acting chops were served, and neither overpowered the other. This recipe was perfected with seasoned veterans like Sanjay Mishra, Seema Pahwa, Zaikr Hussain, Ishtiyak Khan, and Raghubir Yadav.... full review

So-So, by Isha Sharma, NewsBytes : ...Bhool Chuk Maaf will entertain and perhaps even surprise you in several scenes, but you are not prepared for the monotony that rears its head once BCM runs out of creativity. It's miles away from perfection and cannot even be counted among Bollywood's best small-town comedies, but it can be watched once on OTT for Rao's magnificent performance.... full review

So-So, by Rishil jogani, Pinkvilla : ...Bhool Chuk Maaf is a charming addition to the small-town rom-com genre. Witty dialogues and stellar supporting performances make it an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate simple, feel-good stories. The underutilized time-loop concept and sluggish pacing hold it back from reaching its full potential. Overall, it Bhool Chuk Maaf is a simple film that can be watched with your families.... full review

So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Among the supporting cast, Ishtiyak Khan and Sanjay Mishra stand out. Wamiqa Gabbi is a misfire as the sometimes coquettish, sometimes feisty, and all-times grating Titli.... full review

So-So, by Anuj Kumar, The Hindu : ...A... full review

So-So, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...BCM delivers a relevant message in a deceptive manner. The time loop can feel like you are witnessing a number of behind-the-scenes fun retakes. If you are up for it, you can give this one a watch.... full review

Thumbs down, by Neha Sen, Deccan Herald : ...There are such little redeeming qualities to the film that no actor shines. The oversaturated colour palette and the umpteen number of romantic songs do nothing but elongate the runtime of this hotch-potch of story arcs. ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ perhaps cou...... full review

Thumbs down, by Veenita kumar, india today : ...Directed by Karan Sharma, 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' is an idea with potential, but one that needs more introspection. Time may loop, love may falter, and faith may be tested, but cinema must evolve. Because audiences aren’t stuck in yesterday!... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Bhool Chuk Maaf throws in a "surprise" bachelor party that springs no surprise - it serves as a pretext for a truncated item number that is followed by the pandemonium that a day that refuses to end unleashes.... full review

Thumbs down, by Sukanya Varma, Rediff : ...Watching Rao and a horde of other talented veterans indulge in such mockery is getting tiresome now. We've received an apology in the title. May his next make amends too.... full review

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This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None
  • Language: A few instances of inappropriate language.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: An item number objectifying women.
  • Concept: A man is stuck in a time loop, waking up on the day before his wedding day.
  • General Look and Feel: Loud and garish.

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120 minutes
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