Is Salman Khan’s ‘Maatrubhumi’ releasing on November 13? What we know

Salman Khan’s much-delayed war drama ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace’ may finally be moving closer to a theatrical release. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the film has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry after undergoing substantial changes and reshoots. 

The film has faced several hurdles since it was announced, including a title change, postponements and uncertainty over its release. It was initially conceived around the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops and was earlier titled ‘Battle of Galwan’.

‘Maatrubhumi’ undergoes changes after government concerns

According to the report, the film was reworked after the Defence Ministry raised concerns about its portrayal of China. The revised version is reportedly significantly different from the original cut, with references to China removed and a more positive depiction of India-China relations incorporated into the story.

Bollywood Hungama quoted a source as saying, “The new version of Maatrubhumi is highly altered compared to the original version. Moreover, it now also talks about the relationship between India and China in a positive light.”

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is reportedly satisfied with the revised version and issued the NOC last week. The development comes after a series of reshoots undertaken to alter the film's earlier treatment.

Salman Khan reportedly eyes November release

While the makers have not officially announced a new release date, Bollywood Hungama reports that Salman Khan is considering November 13 for the film's theatrical debut.

According to the report, the actor believes the period immediately after Diwali could work well for the release. However, the film still has to undergo the certification process with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The report quoted its source as saying, “Salman Khan is now eyeing November 13. He believes that the post-Diwali period, when people would still be in a celebratory mood, would be apt for the film’s release. However, the censor process is still pending. The makers will soon submit the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). If the CBFC clears the film and the process is completed this month, Salman and his team will most probably bring Maatrubhumi to cinemas on November 13. A clearer picture in this regard will emerge in the next 10 days.”

If the reported date goes ahead, ‘Maatrubhumi’ would reach theatres a week after Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana Part One’.

From ‘Battle of Galwan’ to ‘Maatrubhumi’

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace’ is produced by Salma Khan under the Salman Khan Films banner. Chitrangada Singh is also part of the cast in a pivotal role.

The project was originally announced as ‘Battle of Galwan’ and was based on the deadly 2020 confrontation in the Galwan Valley. It was later renamed ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace’.

The film was initially scheduled to release in April but was subsequently postponed. Reports earlier suggested that the project could have been shelved, but the makers denied those claims.