Bhool Chuk Maaf ending explained: How Rajkummar Rao breaks free from the time loop in this romantic comedy

Prime Video is now streaming the Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi film Bhool Chuk Maaf after a lacklustre theatrical run. This modest family drama features slapstick comedy and a moral compass, and it tells a simple love story that is disrupted by an unforeseen time loop. The film's sanctimonious but satisfyingly wrapped-up ending is now available to those who were unable to catch it in theatres thanks to its OTT release.

Love story under pressure

Ranjan, played by Rajkummar Rao, is a young man without a job, and Titli, played by Wamiqa Gabbi, is a strong-willed and driven woman. In the face of familial opposition, the couple decides to elope. Ranjan is then faced with a challenge from Titli's father, who wants him to marry Titli only if he gets a job with the government within two months.

Ranjan tries everything, including borrowing money against Titli's mother's jewellery, but he ends up being scammed. Then, out of the blue, he gets the job he had hoped for. Ranjan notices something odd when he wakes up on the 29th—the day repeats itself—even though their wedding date is set for the 30th of the month—innumerable times.

Caught in a loop

Ranjan tries various methods to escape his Haldi ceremony, including praying, apologising, and even attempting suicide, but none of these efforts provide a solution. After much delay, a priest tells Ranjan that he must make apologies to someone he has gravely wronged before he can go forward.

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Hamid Ansari (Akash Makhija), another hopeful for a government position, is revealed to be the person Ranjan must apologise to. Ranjan saves Hamid from suicide, but he soon finds out the terrible truth: Hamid was the intended recipient of the job that Ranjan got. Ranjan has to quit his job, which would have guaranteed his future with Titli if he wanted to fulfil the "one good deed" he promised God.

Justice vs love

Decisions made by Ranjan are at the emotional centre of the film. Is love more important to him than justice? Despite Titli's wishes, Hamid must retain the position to rescue his village. To end the cycle and make things right, Ranjan decides to step down from his position.

When he wakes up the following day, on the 30th, he discovers that the wedding festivities have begun. Still, he can't bring himself to do it. While staying at Titli's place, he discloses the information. Once Bhagwaan Das (Sanjay Mishra) explains Ranjan's moral choice to everyone, the wedding is called off, and Ranjan faces opposition from all sides.

Thoughtful, non-dramatic ending

The ending avoids melodrama and violence. The film instead focuses on Bhagwaan Das' monologue about forgiveness and redemption at the end, which is heavy on dialogue. His remarks persuade Ranjan to accept Titli's forgiveness and go on with the wedding. The time loop concludes with a subtle message rather than a grand finale: correcting a mistake might take precedence over planning for the future at times.

Bhool Chuk Maaf is more appropriate for viewing at home due to its predictable plot and slow pace. Its message is sincere and straightforward, yet it could use more cinematic impact. This one-time viewing, which is now available on Prime Video, focuses more on the lessons it teaches than on providing entertainment.