Salman Khan's film Maatrubhumi waits for censor board screening despite government clearance

Salman Khan's upcoming film Maatrubhumi is still waiting for a screening by the Central Board of Film Certification, even though it received government clearance. The movie was first called Battle Of Galwan and was renamed earlier this year. It is based on the 2020 conflict between India and China and faced hurdles because of its content and references to China as diplomatic ties between the two countries improved.

Censor Delay

The makers applied for censor certification at the start of October, but the CBFC has not given them a date for a screening. An assurance was given that a screening would take place on Monday, October 26, but it did not happen. Salman Khan flew to Delhi several times to ask the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to help arrange the screening. The makers say they are not asking for special favors, have made the requested changes, and followed all rules.

Release Plans

The team wants to release the film in cinemas on November 13, subject to getting the censor certificate in time. Salman Khan avoids box office clashes and noted that no other film has taken the November 13 slot. Rajshri Productions' Yeh Prem Mol Liya and the Emraan Hashmi-starrer Gunmaaster G9 are set for release on November 27. He wants to avoid clashing with Yeh Prem Mol Liya because director Sooraj Barjatya is like family to him. December 4 was also considered, but Jio Studios is distributing Maatrubhumi and is also releasing the Shraddha Kapoor-starrer Eetha on that day, making a same-day release impossible.

Context

Films in India must receive a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification before they can be legally screened in public cinemas. Major movie releases often carefully plan their dates around other big films and studio schedules to ensure they do not compete directly for the same audience at the box office.