Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf Is Now the 7th Biggest Hindi Film of 2025 — Here’s How This Sleeper Hit Won Hearts

A small-town time-loop tale with big emotions, Bhool Chuk Maaf climbs the box office ladder to become one of 2025’s surprise Bollywood hits.

Rohit Khatri 3 weeks agoLast Updated: June 8, 2025

10 4 minutes read

Not every box office surprise comes with fireworks — some arrive with laughter, heart, and a bit of Banarasi time-loop magic. Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s quirky romantic dramedy Bhool Chuk Maaf has done what few expected: it’s officially the 7th highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, overtaking star-studded action flicks and big-banner thrillers along the way.

A Modest Start, a Meteoric Rise

Bhool Chuk Maaf released theatrically on May 23, 2025, without the usual hullabaloo of a grand Bollywood launch. With an opening day collection of ₹7.2 crore, it was hardly in the race with summer blockbusters — or so everyone thought. But within 72 hours, the film’s box office trajectory took a surprising turn. Over the first weekend, it pulled in a strong ₹28 crore, signalling early signs of a sleeper hit.

By the end of Day 7, the film had minted ₹44 crore, and by Day 8, it had comfortably crossed the ₹47 crore mark, surpassing the lifetime collection of Varun Dhawan’s action venture Baby John. A true underdog moment in a year crowded with high-octane, high-budget titles.

What’s more? Industry trackers confirmed the film’s position as the seventh biggest Hindi hit of 2025, as per updated figures available from leading trade sources.

The Story That Struck a Chord

Directed by Karan Sharma, Bhool Chuk Maaf follows the story of a young Banarasi man, played by Rajkummar Rao, who finds himself stuck in a time loop — reliving the same chaotic wedding day again and again until he learns life’s biggest lesson: forgiveness. Wamiqa Gabbi stars as the spirited bride-to-be, adding charm and wit to a performance that has quickly become a fan-favourite.

Unlike high-concept films that tend to alienate mass audiences, Bhool Chuk Maaf strikes a balance — smart yet accessible, emotional yet hilarious. A large part of its success lies in how it handles complex emotions in a familiar small-town setting. Critics praised the film’s tight screenplay and the strong chemistry between its leads. But it was audience word-of-mouth that truly drove the numbers.

On social media, fans called it a “breath of fresh air” and “the first genuinely feel-good film of the year.” One X user posted, “Bhool Chuk Maaf is what happens when storytelling wins over stardom.”

Rajkummar Rao’s Fifth Biggest Hit — And Counting

With Bhool Chuk Maaf, Rajkummar Rao scores his fifth biggest career hit, a milestone that reaffirms his growing stature in Bollywood. Known for juggling both indie gems and commercial potboilers, Rao has consistently shown up where strong scripts meet strong characters.

Following his recent success in Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, this new entry into his hit list marks a career high point. He’s no longer the ‘surprise package’ — he’s a dependable box office name.

Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bollywood Leap

For Wamiqa Gabbi, who has built a strong fanbase through OTT performances in Grahan and Charlie Chopra, Bhool Chuk Maaf marks a mainstream leap that’s paying off in style. Her comic timing, screen presence, and emotive range have earned her both critical applause and newfound popularity. Audiences have especially warmed up to her spirited portrayal of a bride determined to fix everything — except her groom’s time-loop curse.

Gabbi’s dialogue delivery in key emotional scenes has been widely shared on Instagram reels, further propelling her popularity post-release.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama Didn’t Stop the Momentum

Interestingly, the film’s box office journey wasn’t without hiccups. In the week leading up to its release, Bhool Chuk Maaf faced a distribution row involving major multiplex chains. Some reports hinted that discounted ticket pricing and non-standard screenings would limit its reach. But the audience turnout told a different story.

PVR-INOX CEO addressed the noise by confirming that Bhool Chuk Maaf was “a genuine theatrical hit,” stating, “It’s working because it’s good — not because of discounts.” That subtle shade spoke volumes.

What Makes the Film Click?

Apart from a heartwarming plot and engaging performances, Bhool Chuk Maaf has the aesthetics and music to match. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Banaras, the film blends local wedding traditions, chaos, and spiritual undertones into its visual fabric. Cinematographer Avinash Arun gives the film a texture that’s part-ethereal, part-festive.

The music album, with songs recreated by Tanishk Bagchi, adds to the nostalgia. Tracks like Chor Bazaari Phir Se and Koi Na are already charting on Spotify India’s Top 100. Wedding DJs are in on it too — with at least two songs making it to shaadi playlists this season.

Streaming, But Not Before June 6

If you missed catching it in theatres, worry not. Bhool Chuk Maaf will make its OTT debut on Amazon Prime Video post its theatrical run, which concludes on June 6. Given its critical and commercial success, expectations are high for a repeat watch boom online.

The Bigger Picture

In a year where Hindi cinema is experimenting more than ever, Bhool Chuk Maaf proves that genre-bending, heart-driven stories still have a place. It didn’t need item songs, exotic locations, or over-the-top stunts to find its audience. All it needed was a solid story, rooted characters, and a dash of Banarasi masala.

For filmmakers and producers watching from the sidelines, this film offers a clear message: content-first cinema is not dead, it’s just in a loop — waiting for the right moment to shine.

And with that, Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi have delivered a film that didn’t just break the loop — it broke expectations.

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Author Profile

Rohit Khatri

Travel & Lifestyle Editor at Hindustan Herald

Rohit Khatri is a travel and lifestyle editor with a flair for storytelling, digital trends, and cultural exploration. With a background in digital marketing and a strong grasp of entertainment, he crafts engaging content that inspires modern journeys and connects with today’s experience-driven audience.