Following months of uncertainty, the trailer of Maatrubhumi is here. The Salman Khan-led war drama reportedly underwent censor and governmental scrutiny before being cleared for release. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film stars Khan as the commander of a battalion stationed ‘somewhere in north India’. As tensions escalate with a neighbouring nation — never identified by name, but speaking in a Chinese accent — Khan and his men face off against enemy forces in treacherous, snow-clad terrain, clashing not with guns or artillery but clubs, stones, shields and their bare hands.
Formerly titled Battle of Galwan, Maatrubhumi was originally based on the 2020 clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. While its basic premise remains intact, the makers appear to have toned down direct geopolitical references and adopted a forthright anti-war stance. The trailer repeatedly underscores the futility of conflict, arguing that war ultimately serves neither nation. Salman’s Chinese counterpart, an upright major, is also portrayed as a sensible soldier who favours peace.
The border sequences are interspersed with a romantic track featuring Salman and Chitrangda Singh, who plays his civilian wife. Khan’s character is reportedly based on Colonel B Santosh Babu, the officer who led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the Galwan clash.
Earlier this year, a teaser for Maatrubhumi drew criticism from the Chinese media, which accused the film of distorting facts and promoting anti-China sentiments. According to unconfirmed reports, the Indian Defence Ministry suggested changes to the film following an improvement in cross-border relations. Salman, however, denied such claims during a preview event of the trailer.
Last week, authors Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh distanced themselves from the project, citing its evolution beyond the original account of the 2020 Galwan clash, as chronicled in their book India’s Most Fearless 3.
In a joint statement, the authors said, “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 nevertheless wished the team success.
Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace is scheduled for a worldwide release on December 4, 2026. It will clash at the box office with Shraddha Kapoor-led Eetha.