Salman Khan Denies Government Pressure Over Maatrubhumi Script Rewrite, Announces December 4 Release

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has dismissed reports of government interference in the rewriting of his upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, saying the makers independently developed a new version centred on soldiers and their families on both sides of the India-China border.

Speaking at the film's trailer launch in Mumbai on Friday, November 6, Khan rejected claims that the film was delayed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) or that its script was changed under government pressure.

"Rewrite karo, ye sab bakwaas hai. It's not true at all," Khan said, dismissing the reports.

Salman Khan Explains Why the Script Changed

Explaining the film's approach, Khan said the story focuses on the experiences of soldiers and the impact of military confrontations on their families on both sides.

He said the film does not portray either side negatively, but explores the difficult circumstances soldiers face during conflicts.

"There is no negativity in it. It is just that the circumstances are negative," he said.

Khan also acknowledged that director Apoorva Lakhia had initially developed an earlier version of the story, while explaining that the makers subsequently moved towards a different narrative.

From Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi

The film was originally titled Battle of Galwan and drew inspiration from the June 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.

The confrontation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and became one of the most significant military flashpoints between the two countries in recent years.

The revised version shifts its focus towards the lives of soldiers, their sense of duty and the challenges faced by their families.

Khan said the film explores how soldiers may share personal bonds across borders, but their national duty takes precedence when conflict arises.

Maatrubhumi Gets New Release Date

The film was initially scheduled to release in April 2026 but will now arrive in theatres on December 4, 2026. Khan announced the revised release date during the trailer launch.

Produced by Salman Khan, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace also stars Chitrangda Singh, Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary.

The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia.