Navjot Gulati, director of the film Pooja Meri Jaan, has publicly voiced concerns regarding the prolonged delay in the release of his project by Maddock Films. Gulati stated that the film, completed over three years ago, remains unreleased, impacting his career and personal life. He claims the studio's focus on larger projects has led to neglect of smaller films like his.
The situation centers on the film Pooja Meri Jaan, starring Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi. According to director Navjot Gulati, the movie has been ready for release for three years, but Maddock Films, the production house, has not set a release date. Gulati has expressed his deep frustration in multiple interviews, highlighting that his late father's final wish was to see the film released. He also pointed out that other films under Maddock Films, such as Rumi Ki Sharafat and Sarvgunn Sampanna, have also faced similar release delays. Gulati feels the lack of release has unfairly damaged his professional reputation, with many assuming the film is of poor quality.
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Director's Allegations and Appeals
Navjot Gulati has spoken with Variety India and other media outlets to bring attention to his situation. He described his father's repeated inquiries about the film's release in the months leading up to his death.
"He asked about the film’s release during the final months of his life."
Gulati questioned the studio's strategy, noting that even films initially planned for over-the-top (OTT) platforms, like Luv Films' Vadh 2, have later been given theatrical releases. He suggested a similar alternative release path for Pooja Meri Jaan.

The film remains unreleased for three years.
Gulati's father's dying wish was to see the film released.
Alternative release strategies are being questioned.
Unreleased Projects Under Maddock Films
Gulati claims that Pooja Meri Jaan is not the only film experiencing release delays under Maddock Films. He specifically mentioned two other projects:
Rumi Ki Sharafat, starring Radhika Madan.
Sarvgunn Sampanna, featuring Vaani Kapoor.
These other projects also appear to be in a similar state of limbo, according to Gulati's statements.
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Impact on Director's Career
The unreleased status of Pooja Meri Jaan has had a significant impact on Navjot Gulati's career. He stated that industry professionals now view him with skepticism.
"I’m not getting any work because this film is not releasing. Everyone thinks it might not be a good film, which is not actually the case."
Gulati fears that the perception created by the delay could hinder future opportunities, even if the film's quality is not the issue. He has even offered to buy back the film if Maddock Films is unwilling to release it.

The delay is causing a professional stigma for Gulati.
Potential employers are hesitant to work with him due to the unreleased film.
Communication Breakdown
Navjot Gulati also indicated a lack of communication from the production house. He claimed that Amar Kaushik, a co-producer and director known for successful films like the Stree franchise, has stopped responding to his calls and messages.
"Amar Kaushik has even stopped responding to his calls and messages."
This lack of engagement from a key figure within Maddock Films exacerbates Gulati's frustration.
Studio's Position
As of the reports, Maddock Films and its head, Dinesh Vijan, have not publicly responded to Navjot Gulati's recent remarks. The studio's official stance or explanation for the delay remains unknown.
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Studio Focus and Film Releases
Gulati suggested that Maddock Films is "consumed by big movies now," leading them to overlook smaller productions. He pointed out that the studio has released ten other films in the three years Pooja Meri Jaan has been ready. This suggests a perceived disparity in the studio's priorities.
Maddock Films has released ten other films in the last three years.
Gulati believes the studio prioritizes larger projects.
Alternative Release Strategies
Gulati mentioned Vadh 2, a film originally intended for OTT but later released in theaters, as an example of an alternative strategy that could potentially be employed for Pooja Meri Jaan. This highlights his desire for creative solutions to the release problem.
Director's Appeal to Studio Head
Gulati expressed hope that his appeals would reach Dinesh Vijan, compelling him to at least make an effort to release the film.
Gulati hopes his plea reaches the top leadership at Maddock Films.
Sources
Bollywood Hungama: https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/navjot-gulati-slams-maddock-films-delay-pooja-meri-jaan-release-dont-care-small-films/ - Reports on Navjot Gulati's statements regarding the delay and his criticism of Maddock Films.
Timesnownews.com: https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/pooja-meri-jaan-director-slams-maddock-films-over-delayed-release-of-mrunal-thakur-starrer-they-dont-care-navjot-gulati-article-153638064 - Details Gulati's anguish over the film's uncertainty and its impact on his career, also noting other unreleased Maddock Films.
Mid-day.com: https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/pooja-meri-jaan-director-slams-maddock-films-over-delay-in-release-23617250 - Covers Gulati's public statements, the film's announcement three years prior, and mentions co-producer Amar Kaushik stopping communication.
News18.com: https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/tired-of-calling-they-dont-care-pooja-meri-jaan-director-urges-maddock-films-to-release-film-for-late-father-ws-kl-9915999.html - Highlights Gulati's frustration, his father's unfulfilled wish, and the claim that Pooja Meri Jaan is not the only film delayed by Maddock Films.
Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/director-accuses-maddock-film-dinesh-vijan-stalling-film-3-years-amar-kaushik-stopped-taking-calls-10539577/ - Reports Gulati's accusation against Dinesh Vijan for stalling the film and Amar Kaushik ceasing communication, also noting Gulati's offer to buy back the film.
Variety India: https://varietyindia.com/they-maddock-films-are-so-consumed-by-big-movies-now-that-they-dont-care-about-small-films-director-navjot-gulati-on-pooja-meri-jaan-not-releasing/ - Features Gulati's direct quotes about Maddock Films being focused on big movies and neglecting smaller ones, and his comments on the studio's release of ten other films.
Sacnilk.com: https://boxoffice.sacnilk.com/news/DirectorNavjotGulatiMakesEmotionalAppealtoMaddockFilmsForMrunalThakurandHumaQureshisPoojaMeriJaanRelease - Covers Gulati's emotional appeal for the release of Pooja Meri Jaan.