Authors Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh have distanced themselves from the Salman Khan-starrer war drama Maatrubhumi, citing the film's evolution beyond the original narrative of the 2020 Galwan clash as chronicled in their book India's Most Fearless 3.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Salman Khan, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace was originally based on the 2020 border clashes between India and China in the Galwan region in Ladakh, which was chronicled in a chapter in the book India's Most Fearless 3 by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh.
However, on November 5, Aroor shared a statement on X to announce that he and Singh will no longer be associated with the film, as they felt it has evolved in a manner that no longer stayed true to their story.
The post's caption read, "A statement from @RahulSinghx & me, as we wish the Maatrubhumi film team the very best! @BeingSalmanKhan @LakhiaApoorva @SKFilmsOfficial #IndiasMostFearless."
In the statement, Aroor and Singh wrote, "Rahul Singh and I (Shiv Aroor) would like to share that our association with Maatrubhumi (earlier titled Battle of Galwan) has come to a close. As the film has evolved, it has moved beyond the account of the Galwan incident in our India's Most Fearless that first brought us on board." They, however, extended their best wishes to the team for the film's success.
"We are grateful to Salman Khan, Apoorva Lakhia and the entire team for their warmth and the opportunity to be part of this journey. We hold them in the highest regard and wish them the very best as they bring their vision to the screen. Our heartfelt wishes for the film's success will always be with them," the statement read further.
Earlier this year, Maatrubhumi also faced multiple delays and was eventually screened for the CBFC. Following the release of its early promotional material, the film was accused by the Chinese media of distorting facts and promoting anti-China sentiments. According to unconfirmed reports, changes to the film were suggested by the Indian Defence Ministry after cross-border relations improved with the neighbouring nation. The film in its current form reportedly embraces a more fictionalised storyline and avoids direct geopolitical references.
Maatrubhumi stars Khan as Colonel B Santosh Babu, the officer who led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the clash. It also features Chitrangda Singh as the female lead opposite Khan, and is produced by Salman Khan Films.