‘Maatrubhumi’ Postponed Again: CBFC Delays Salman Khan’s War Film Despite Title Change – Report
Salman Khan's war drama 'Maatrubhumi', previously 'Battle of Galwan', faces fresh hurdles as the CBFC withholds its clearance certificate. Originally slated for April, then August 2026, the film's release is now uncertain. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the movie stars Salman Khan as Colonel Santosh Babu.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's upcoming war drama, Maatrubhumi, is once again embroiled in controversy and facing a fresh delay. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly put a hold on the film's clearance, leaving its theatrical release in limbo, according to an NDTV report on July 3, 2026. Salman Khan’s New Haircut and Slim Look Goes Viral, Superstar Poses With Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan (Watch Videos).
‘Maatrubhumi’ Release Postponed
Maatrubhumi, which draws inspiration from the 2020 Galwan Valley confrontation between Indian and Chinese forces, was initially slated for an April 17, 2026, release, timed with the Eid festivities. However, that date was postponed, with the makers then reportedly eyeing an August 2026 window, possibly around the Independence Day weekend. With the CBFC now withholding the crucial clearance certificate, it appears highly unlikely that 'Maatrubhumi' will meet its revised August deadline. No new official release date has been announced by the producers, Salma Khan under the Salman Khan Films banner.
CBFC vs ‘Maatrubhumi’
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, was originally titled 'Battle of Galwan' but underwent a title change to Maatrubhumi amidst earlier controversies. This rebranding was reportedly an attempt to explore the story in a broader context, focusing on the human dimensions of conflict and peace, rather than a direct military narrative. The film’s teaser, which was unveiled on December 27, 2025, coinciding with Salman Khan's 60th birthday, had already sparked controversy. Several users on the Chinese social media platform Weibo accused the movie of presenting a distorted account of the Galwan Valley clash.
In January 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified its position regarding the film, stating that matters related to filmmaking in India are handled by "relevant authorities" and that the MEA plays "no role" in such ventures. Reports from April 2026 also indicated that the film had undergone extensive reshoots, with nearly 40% of the film altered to add fictional elements, romantic scenes, and backstories, while also removing direct references to China and the Galwan Valley, reportedly at the request of the Ministry of Defence. Despite these changes and the title alteration, the CBFC has continued to withhold certification until further notice, leaving the film's fate uncertain. Kareena Kapoor To Reunite With Salman Khan After 11 Years for Raj & DK’s Superhero Film? Here’s What We Know.
In Maatrubhumi, Salman Khan portrays Colonel Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who led Indian troops during the Galwan Valley confrontation. Fans are now left awaiting official updates on when this much-anticipated, yet embattled, project will finally see the light of day.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 06:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).