Salman Khan Matrimony Controversy: The trailer and film of Salman Khan's upcoming film 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace' has been approved by the Censor Board. After which now the makers can announce its trailer and release date. However, after the approval of the trailer, it was being said that its trailer will be released today i.e. on 6 November 2026. But now the news is that the trailer will be released after a few days. But the discussion about this film is not only about the return of Salman Khan or the action scenes. Many questions have been raised regarding the story of the film Mathrubhumi, India-China relations, change in title and the approval of the Defense Ministry. Earlier the name of the film was Battle of Galwan and its story was based on the conflict between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley in 2020. Later the name of the film was changed and news of change in the treatment of its story came to light.
The trailer of the film has received U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on 4 November. At the same time, Salman Khan recently announced in an event organized in Mumbai regarding the film that Matribhoomi will be released on December 4. So, as of now, this is being considered as the official release date. According to reports, the makers are considering a December release window. Let us understand why questions were raised on the story of the film, what was the role of the Defense Ministry and what difficulties it faced in reaching CBFC.
The film is based on the Galvan Valley incident
The story of Mathrubhumi is inspired by the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. This confrontation took place near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. 20 soldiers of the Indian Army were martyred in this incident. In the film, Salman Khan is playing the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who was the commanding officer of 16 Bihar Regiment. He was posthumously awarded Mahavir Chakra. In the film, Salman will be seen leading the soldiers in the film. The makers had talked about presenting it not just as a war story, but as a story related to the courage, sacrifice and humanity of the soldiers. The film has been directed by Apoorva Lakhia. In this, Chitrangada Singh is in an important role along with Salman. Apart from these, Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zane Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary will also be seen playing important roles in the film.
Why was the title named Mathrubhumi after Battle of Galwan?
The film started with the name Battle of Galwan. Its teaser was also released in December 2025. In which Salman Khan was shown as an army officer. After this the discussion started regarding the title and content of the film. China's government media organization had raised questions on the teaser and alleged that the film could exaggerate the Galwan incident and increase anti-China sentiments. In March 2026, the makers changed the name of the film to Mathrubhumi. Director Apoorva Lakhia had told that both the names were already registered. As work on the film progressed, the team realized that its story is not just about a fight. It also shows humanity, sympathy and sacrifice of soldiers.
Why were questions raised regarding the change in the story?
After the change in the title of the film, many questions were raised regarding its story. In April 2026, the makers made changes in the treatment of the film and some parts were re-shot. According to the report, caution was being taken in showing the Galwan incident directly and in the story regarding China. It was also said that the tone of the war parts of the film was changed. Changes have also been made in the climax of the film and the arc of Salman Khan's character in October. The report quoted a source as saying that the ending of the story was designed according to the message of peace. However, the makers have not confirmed it officially.
Why was the film stuck in the investigation of the Defense Ministry?
The story of the film is related to a real military incident. Therefore, the makers had to go through the process of obtaining NOC i.e. No Objection Certificate from the Defense Ministry. After the Defense Ministry screening on October 25, some suggestions were made in the film. According to the report, the makers also re-shot some parts based on those suggestions. After the change the ministry was shown again. It was also said in this report that unless the approval is received from the Defense Ministry, the makers cannot proceed for certification of the film with CBFC. The reason given for this was that the Indian Army and a sensitive military incident were shown in the film. However, this information was revealed in media reports quoting sources. The suggestions given by the Ministry on every scene of the film were not made public.
What was the objection regarding China?
The changing environment of relations between India and China was also said to be a major reason for the controversy regarding the film. After the Galwan incident, there has been tension in the relations between the two countries. In such a situation, how China is shown in the film became an important question. The makers made changes in the treatment of the film and tried to reduce the direct mention of China. Therefore some parts of the film were re-shot. In October, the Defense Ministry had reservations about certain aspects of the film, particularly its portrayal of China. After this the makers prepared a modified version.
Why did it take so long to reach CBFC?
Even after the news of approval from the government, the film did not reach CBFC immediately. One reason for this was said to be post-production work. On October 7, the final cut of the film was not yet locked. Music composer Ravi Basrur was working on the background score and the changes being made in the film were also being incorporated. According to the report, it was not possible to send the film to CBFC until the final cut was ready. That means there were two types of challenges before the film. First, to get the necessary government approvals due to the China issue and second, to prepare the final version of the film. CBFC has to give certificate only after watching the entire film. However, on November 6, Salman Khan said in an event of the film that the film is releasing on December 4.
How many times was the release of the film postponed?
The film was initially planned to be released in April 2026. Later the news of release came out around 15th August i.e. Independence Day. But even this date could not be decided. Media reports said that the shooting of the film had already been completed in April, but due to the story treatment, re-shoot and approval process, the release went ahead. After the news of government approval in October, a possible release date of November 13 was discussed. But this plan also did not move forward as the final cut of the entire film and CBFC certification was pending. Now the trailer of the film has been approved. In such a situation, the trailer of Matribhoomi may be released sometime in the coming days.
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