Salman Khan’s forthcoming film, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, is experiencing significant uncertainty regarding its release date. Originally scheduled for April, the film was later anticipated for a June release, but this timeline is now stalled due to regulatory issues. As reported by Mid-Day, the film has not yet been submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for approval, leading the production team to reassess the steps necessary for its release process.
A source noted, “At this stage, after making the necessary changes, the team is trying to understand what would be the next steps to ensure its smooth release. No department, whether the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army, or the CBFC, has seen the film yet.”
Initial Concept Linked to Galwan Valley Conflict
Maatrubhumi was initially envisioned as a retelling of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. However, after the teaser’s release in December 2025, the direction of the project underwent changes following reactions from media sources. The Global Times, a publication affiliated with the Chinese state, accused the film of “distorting facts,” prompting Indian authorities to advise the filmmakers to eliminate direct references to China and the Galwan conflict. This guidance came amid ongoing efforts to improve diplomatic relations between India and China.
As a result of these consultations, the film was renamed Maatrubhumi, which signifies a shift in focus away from its original premise.
Shift Towards Family and Relationship Narratives
Additionally, there have been claims that director Apoorva Lakhia reshot certain segments of the film. However, sources insist that the film has not been completely rewritten. “Maatrubhumi has not been rewritten from scratch or reshot. In the Mumbai leg, the team shot additional parts depicting family sequences and love stories of a few supporting characters. Now, the makers have shifted the film’s focus on family and relationships, making it a human drama,” a source pointed out.
Despite this change in emphasis, some elements of the war narrative remain incorporated into the film’s structure. “That said, a bit of the war portions have been retained. But if you remove references to China and Galwan, what is the conflict about? That’s the central question they’re grappling with,” the source added.
Current Status of Film Screening and Release Timeline
With the film yet to be screened for significant authorities and the central conflict undergoing redefinition, the timeline for the release of Maatrubhumi remains uncertain as of now.
Additionally, developments regarding Maatrubhumi continue to unfold amidst varying reports about its content and focus. The film appears to reflect a broader trend in Indian cinema where narratives adapt to evolving geopolitical situations and public sentiment.
