Salman's war drama 'Maatrubhumi' under censor review, aiming for Diwali or Christmas release

Maatrubhumi, Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama, is undergoing review by the Central Board of Film Certification this week and could hit theaters during Diwali or Christmas. The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and also stars Chitrangda Singh alongside Khan. It was previously titled Battle of Galwan before a title change prompted reshoots after objections to its initial anti‑China stance. The project has faced delays earlier due to the title controversy and the need for additional shooting. Sources say the reshoots addressed those concerns and the revised version has not been stopped by the government, contrary to speculation. While some reports claimed the Information and Broadcasting Ministry cleared the new cut, insiders confirm no official halt was ever issued. The censor board is expected to give its clearance without major cuts, as Khan’s movies are typically seen as family‑friendly. Once approved, the producers are targeting a festive release slot in either Diwali or Christmas to maximise audience turnout. Industry watchers note that a holiday release could boost the film’s box‑office performance. ## Context In India, major festivals such as Diwali are popular windows for big‑budget films, offering higher footfall and revenue potential.