(TibetanReview.net, Oct04’26) – The Bollywood film starring superstar Salman Khan that was announced as Battle Of Galwan, based on the brutal 2020 Ladakh-border conflict between India and China, but retitled as Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace earlier this year with significant changes in its storyline, is finally likely set for release, possibly in Nov 2026, reported bollywoodhungama.com Oct 2.
The film in its original form could not be released earlier in view of the recent improvement in relations between the two countries because India’s Ministry of Defence had reservations about its content and mention of China, causing its delay, the report said.
When an announcement was made about the film’s possible release earlier in its original form, it attracted online criticisms from China, including its official media, for allegedly demonising the country. The criticisms also derided the unrealistic depiction of the fighting skill of Bollywood film stars.
However, a major development in the film occurred recently when the government cleared it for a theatrical release. The report quoted an official source as saying: “The officials of the I&B (Information and Broadcasting) Ministry are now satisfied with the new version of Maatrubhumi (meaning, motherland or homeland) submitted by the makers. Hence, they gave an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to the war saga last week. This means that the film can now be made available for public consumption.”
The film still needs to be cleared by the country’s censor board, though this may now be a matter of formality. The report quoted the source as saying: “The makers will soon submit it 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.”
Explaining what has changed in the film due to the government directives, the source has replied, “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 original version of the film highlighted the valour and spirit of sacrifice of Indian troops in the face of border aggressions by Chinese troops which climaxed in the brutal nighttime Galwan Valley clash of Jun 2020, leading to a deep freeze in China-India ties and considerable strengthening of border security by both the sides.