Salman Khan’s ‘Maatrubhumi’ locked for Dec 4 release, set to clash with ‘Eetha’

Salman Khan's war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace will hit Indian theatres on December 4, directly competing with Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha. The movie, originally announced as Battle of Galwan, was retitled earlier this year and draws its story from the May 2020 standoff in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh. After a period of uncertainty over references to China, the film secured government clearance and a U/A 16+ rating for its 4‑minute‑43‑second trailer on November 4, as listed on the CBFC website. Jio Studios will handle nationwide distribution, and the cast includes Chitrangda Singh alongside Khan, who portrays Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, one of the 20 Indian soldiers killed in the clash. Production delays were blamed on visual‑effects work and an injury to a key female crew member, pushing the release from an initial November 13 plan to the final December 4 date. Earlier attempts to release in November 20 or December 11 were also shelved due to a pending censor certificate. The film’s first teaser, unveiled on Khan’s 60th birthday, drew criticism from China’s Global Times for alleged exaggeration, while an Indian government source reminded that cinema has long depicted Indo‑China conflicts, citing earlier films such as Haqeeqat (1964) and 120 Bahadur. The trailer’s U/A rating allows viewers aged 16 and above with parental guidance.

Context

The Galwan Valley encounter heightened tensions between India and China, making any portrayal of the event sensitive. Indian filmmakers have historically used such episodes to explore national sentiment, and recent diplomatic easing adds a layer of scrutiny to cinematic depictions.