I recently watched Bhool Chuk Maaf, directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films in association with Amazon MGM Studios. It’s a Hindi fantasy romantic comedy that released on May 23, 2025, and honestly, it left quite an impression on me.
Starring Rajkummar Rao as Ranjan Tiwari and Wamiqa Gabbi as Titli Mishra, the film is a heartfelt yet quirky exploration of love, fate, and the chaos of a time loop, all set against the culturally rich backdrop of Varanasi. With a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute, the film blends humor, romance, and fantasy elements to deliver a unique cinematic experience.
Bhool Chuk Maaf Movie Review :
Plot Overview
Bhool Chuk Maaf tells the story of Ranjan Tiwari (Rajkummar Rao), a hopeless romantic from the small town of Banaras (Varanasi). Deeply in love with Titli Mishra (Wamiqa Gabbi), Ranjan’s life takes a surreal turn when he finds himself trapped in a bizarre time loop that resets the day to the Haldi ceremony repeatedly. Titli remains oblivious to this phenomenon, while Ranjan is stuck reliving the same frustrating day over and over.
The film’s premise revolves around Ranjan’s struggle to break free from this loop, which metaphorically reflects his attempts to fulfill the conditions set by Titli’s family—most notably securing a government job within two months to win their approval for marriage. The narrative combines the charm of small-town romance with the fantasy of a time loop, creating a story that is both relatable and imaginative.
What I loved is how this time loop isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a metaphor for the struggles Ranjan faces trying to meet the expectations of Titli’s family — like landing a government job in two months. The film beautifully mixes the charm of small-town romance with this fantasy element, making it feel fresh yet relatable.
Cast and Characters
- Rajkummar Rao as Ranjan Tiwari: The protagonist, a romantic young man caught in a time loop, whose earnestness and vulnerability anchor the film.
- Wamiqa Gabbi as Titli Mishra: Ranjan’s love interest, whose obliviousness to the time loop adds to the comedic and emotional tension.
- Seema Pahwa as Ramawati: Ranjan’s mother, providing warmth and familial grounding.
- Sanjay Mishra as Bhagwan Das: A pivotal supporting character adding comic relief and depth.
- Zakir Hussain as Brijmohan: Titli’s father, whose conditions set the story in motion.
- Raghubir Yadav, Ishtiyak Khan, and others: Supporting cast that enriches the small-town atmosphere.
Direction and Writing
Karan Sharma, known for his deft handling of romantic dramas, brings a fresh perspective with Bhool Chuk Maaf. The screenplay and dialogues, penned by Haider Rizvi and Subash Sahoo, cleverly balance humor and emotion. The film’s fantasy element—the time loop—is used not just as a plot device but as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life’s challenges and the persistence required to overcome them.
The narrative’s pacing is steady, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the nuances of the characters’ lives and the cultural setting of Varanasi. However, some critics note that the film occasionally struggles to maintain momentum, with parts of the story feeling repetitive due to the time loop concept.
Performances
Rajkummar Rao delivers a nuanced performance as Ranjan, capturing the character’s frustration, hope, and romantic idealism with authenticity. His comic timing shines in scenes where he grapples with the surreal situation, and his emotional depth makes the audience root for his character’s success.
Wamiqa Gabbi, in her first major Hindi comedy role, brings charm and grace as Titli. Despite the character’s obliviousness to the time loop, Gabbi infuses Titli with warmth and a lively spirit, making the romantic chemistry with Rao believable.
Seema Pahwa and Sanjay Mishra provide strong support, their seasoned acting adding layers of humor and heart to the family dynamics portrayed.
Cinematography and Setting
The film is visually anchored in Varanasi, one of India’s oldest and most culturally significant cities. Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran captures the city’s vibrant colors, narrow lanes, and spiritual aura with finesse. The use of natural lighting and authentic locations enhances the film’s grounded feel despite its fantasy premise.
The production design, especially the recreated small-town street set in Mira Road for the promotional song, adds to the lively and festive atmosphere. The film’s songs, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, complement the narrative, with choreography by Vijay Ganguly adding energy and color.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack features a blend of romantic and upbeat tracks, including:
- Koi Naa by Harnoor and Shreya Ghoshal
- Chor Bazari Phir Se by Neeraj Shridhar and Sunidhi Chauhan
- Sawariya Tera by Raghav Chaitanya and others
The music enhances the emotional beats of the film and provides moments of levity and celebration, fitting the monsoon romance vibe.
Themes and Symbolism
Bhool Chuk Maaf explores themes of love, destiny, and perseverance. The time loop symbolizes the challenges and repetitive struggles one faces in life and relationships. The film encourages viewers to keep trying despite setbacks, echoing the Bhagavad Gita’s teaching: “Karm Karo, Phal Ki Chinta Mat Karo” (Do your duty without worrying about the results).
The small-town setting adds a layer of cultural specificity, showcasing the traditions, family dynamics, and societal expectations that shape the characters’ choices.
What Works
- Unique Premise: The time loop concept in a romantic comedy is fresh and engaging.
- Strong Performances: Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s chemistry and acting elevate the narrative.
- Authentic Setting: Varanasi’s portrayal adds depth and cultural richness.
- Humor and Heart: The film balances comedy with emotional moments effectively.
- Music and Choreography: The songs are catchy and well-integrated.
What Could Be Better
- Pacing Issues: The repetitive nature of the time loop sometimes slows down the story.
- Predictability: Some plot points follow familiar rom-com tropes.
- Supporting Characters: While well-acted, some secondary roles could have been developed further.
Audience Reception and Box Office
With a rating of approximately 7.9/10 on BookMyShow based on over 13,000 votes, Bhool Chuk Maaf has been well-received by audiences who appreciate its heartwarming story and performances. The film appeals particularly to fans of romantic comedies and those who enjoy small-town narratives with a fantasy twist.
Final Verdict
Bhool Chuk Maaf is a delightful blend of fantasy and romance that offers a fresh take on love and perseverance. Rajkummar Rao’s compelling portrayal of a man stuck in a surreal time loop, paired with Wamiqa Gabbi’s lively Titli, makes for an engaging watch. While the film’s pacing and predictability may not satisfy all viewers, its charm, humor, and cultural authenticity make it a worthwhile experience for those seeking a light-hearted yet meaningful romantic comedy.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ratings Table for Bhool Chuk Maaf
| Platform | Rating | Summary/Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Times of India | 3.0/5 | “There’s meaning to this madness on repeat” |
| NDTV | 2.0/5 | “Goes round and round in circles” |
| IMDb | 7.5/10 (user avg) | Mixed user reviews: praised for concept, criticized for writing and chemistry |
| India Today | Mixed | Notes a confusing time loop and weak love story |
| New Indian Express | 2/5 | “Same-old small-town comedy” |
| Filmfare | 3.5/5 | Praised for emotional evolution and sci-fi twist |
Summary
| Aspect | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Time loop romance in Varanasi | Some pacing issues |
| Acting | Rajkummar Rao & Wamiqa Gabbi shine | Supporting cast solid |
| Direction | Karan Sharma’s balanced approach | Could explore secondary arcs more |
| Cinematography | Beautiful depiction of Varanasi | Authentic and colorful |
| Music | Catchy, well-choreographed songs | Fits the film’s mood |
| Overall Enjoyment | Heartfelt, funny, culturally rich | Best for rom-com fans |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When was Bhool Chuk Maaf released?
A: The film was released on 23 May 2025.
Q: Who are the lead actors in Bhool Chuk Maaf?
A: Rajkummar Rao plays Ranjan Tiwari, and Wamiqa Gabbi plays Titli Mishra.
Q: Who directed Bhool Chuk Maaf?
A: The film was directed by Karan Sharma.
Q: What genre does the film belong to?
A: It is a fantasy romantic comedy.
Q: Where was the film primarily shot?
A: The film was primarily shot in Varanasi and studio sets in Mira Road.
Q: Who composed the music for the film?
A: The music was composed by Tanishk Bagchi and Gifty Mehra.
Bhool Chuk Maaf is available in theaters and is a charming addition to the growing genre of Indian romantic comedies with a fantasy twist. Fans of Rajkummar Rao and fresh storytelling will find much to enjoy in this heartfelt tale of love, fate, and second chances.
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Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.
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