Maddock Films tries to recreate the magic of its recent hit Stree with Bhool Chuk Maaf, blending fantasy, comedy, and drama against the vibrant backdrop of Banaras. However, despite the presence of a talented cast led by Rajkummar Rao, the film struggles with a convoluted script and an erratic tone that ultimately undermine its potential.
Set in the bustling streets and ghats of Banaras, Bhool Chuk Maaf follows Ranjan Tiwari (Rajkummar Rao), a young man desperate for a government job to marry his girlfriend Titli Mishra (Wamiqa Gabbi). When Titli’s father issues an ultimatum—find a job in two months or forget marriage—Ranjan enlists the help of a dubious middleman (Sanjay Mishra) in a desperate bid to secure employment. Just as the wedding plans are finalized, Ranjan finds himself trapped in a bizarre time loop, reliving the same pre-wedding day repeatedly.
Despite an intriguing premise, the film falters in execution. Director and writer Karan Sharma’s screenplay is disjointed, often veering into confusing territory with excessive twists that feel forced rather than organic. The narrative lacks a clear, logical structure, making it difficult for audiences to stay engaged with the story or invest emotionally in the characters.
Rajkummar Rao delivers an energetic performance, and Wamiqa Gabbi provides solid support as his strong-willed love interest. The supporting cast, including Seema Pahwa as Ranjan’s hardworking mother, Raghubir Yadav as his indifferent father, and Sanjay Mishra in a cameo, add charm with their impeccable comic timing. However, their talents are underutilized, as the script does not provide enough depth or coherence for their characters to fully resonate.
The film’s tone swings unpredictably from light-hearted comedy to solemn drama, often failing to land either effectively. Moments of romance and family conflict are interrupted by awkward religious preachings and surreal fantasy elements that feel out of place. The time-loop gimmick, meant to be the film’s unique hook, becomes repetitive and frustrating, with little narrative payoff.
Visually, cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee captures the vibrant chaos and cultural richness of Banaras beautifully, adding a layer of authenticity and color to the film’s aesthetic. Unfortunately, the stale staging and labored performances often negate the impact of the visuals.
Bhool Chuk Maaf also features a “surprise” bachelor party scene that lacks any genuine surprise or excitement, serving mostly as a vehicle for an uninspired item song before the repetitive chaos resumes.
In essence, Bhool Chuk Maaf suffers from an underdeveloped plot stretched thin over a film that tries to juggle multiple genres without mastering any. The film’s single central idea—a wedding day trapped in a time loop—fails to evolve into a compelling or consistently funny story. Instead, it stumbles through a series of missteps, leaving viewers with a confusing, uneven experience that is hard to overlook.
Final Verdict: Despite the earnest efforts of Rajkummar Rao and a talented ensemble, Bhool Chuk Maaf is weighed down by a shaky script and erratic tone, making it a disappointing watch for fans expecting a clever, cohesive comedy-drama.
