Released on May 23, 2025, Bhool Chuk Maaf movie Review—directed by debutant Karan Sharma—attempts to blend small-town romance with a time-loop concept but ends up feeling like a “poor man’s Brahmastra” . Starring Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, this rom-com set in Varanasi follows Ranjan (Rao), an unemployed lover desperate to marry Titli (Gabbi), only to get trapped in a repetitive cycle of pre-wedding chaos. While the film has moments of humor and charm, its uneven pacing, underdeveloped themes, and outdated gender dynamics hold it back from greatness.
Plot Overview: A Time Loop with a Dash of Karma
The story begins with Ranjan and Titli’s whirlwind romance, hindered by her father’s ultimatum: Ranjan must secure a government job in two months to prove his worth. After resorting to bribes and divine intervention at a Shiva temple, Ranjan lands the job but forgets his vow to perform a “good deed.” This oversight traps him in a time loop, forcing him to relive his haldi ceremony day repeatedly until he fulfills his promise .
The premise—a mix of Groundhog Day and spiritual karma—holds potential, but the execution falters. The first half drags with excessive songs and slapstick humor, while the time-loop concept only kicks in post-interval, leaving audiences waiting for the plot to gain momentum .
Strengths: Performances and Quirky Humor
- Rajkummar Rao’s Reliable Charm: Rao delivers a sincere performance as the bumbling yet endearing Ranjan. His comic timing shines in frustrated one-liners and repetitive scenarios, though the role feels too familiar to his past small-town avatars .
- Supporting Cast Elevates the Film: Veterans like Raghubir Yadav and Seema Pahwa steal scenes as Ranjan’s parents, adding authenticity and humor. Sanjay Mishra, as the conman “Bhagwan,” injects energy into the climax .
- Banaras Backdrop: The vibrant setting of Varanasi, with its ghats and spiritual aura, provides visual richness. However, the film’s reliance on aerial shots to emphasize the location feels forced .
Weaknesses: A Loop of Missed Opportunities
- Underdeveloped Time-Loop Concept: The repetitive day trope is underutilized, with minimal exploration of emotional or philosophical depth. Instead, the narrative focuses on superficial gags, missing chances to innovate .
- Problematic Gender Portrayals: Titli’s character is reduced to a marriage-obsessed stereotype, undermining her agency. Lines trivializing pregnancy and mocking female breadwinners (like Ranjan’s pickle-selling mother) reveal outdated biases .
- Pacing and Tonal Shifts: The first hour meanders with unnecessary subplots, while the second half rushes its social commentary on unemployment and corruption. The abrupt shift from comedy to preachy monologues feels jarring .
Brahmastra Comparisons: Style Over Substance
The film’s spiritual visuals and Varanasi setting invite comparisons to Brahmastra, but it lacks the latter’s grandeur and coherence. Scenes of Ranjan praying at a Shiva temple or navigating Banaras’ gullies feel more like aesthetic choices than meaningful storytelling devices . The Brahmastra parallel extends to the disjointed narrative, where too many ideas—romance, comedy, social messages—clash without harmony.
Music and Technical Aspects
Composer Tanishk Bagchi delivers a mixed soundtrack. While tracks like Sawariya Tera and Chor Bazaari Phir Se blend well with the setting, others feel forgettable . Cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee captures Banaras’ vibrancy but struggles to elevate the film beyond its script limitations.
Verdict: A Decent One-Time Watch with Flaws
Bhool Chuk Maaf is a classic case of wasted potential. While Rao’s charm and the supporting cast’s humor make it watchable, the film’s regressive themes and uneven pacing prevent it from standing out in the crowded small-town comedy genre. The time-loop device, though novel for Bollywood, lacks the depth seen in global counterparts like Palm Springs or Edge of Tomorrow .
Rating: 2.5/5
Who Should Watch: Fans of Rajkummar Rao, light-hearted rom-coms, or those curious about Bollywood’s take on time loops.
Final Takeaway: Bhool Chuk Maaf is a fleeting entertainer that could have been memorable with sharper writing and a bolder vision. For now, it remains a middling addition to Rao’s filmography—a film that asks for forgiveness (maaf) but doesn’t fully earn it.