“We have same qualities”: Salman Khan compares his Maatrubhumi character to Lord Ram when asked if Ramayana will affect his film

Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace’s trailer was released today.  In the film, Salman essays the role of an Army officer inspired by Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who led Indian troops during the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash with Chinese forces. Colonel Santosh Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery.

The film centres on his leadership, courage and sacrifice during the confrontation, while also exploring the human and emotional cost of war.

At the moment, Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana is garnering the spotlight, with moviegoers flocking to cinema halls to watch the film, while some are waiting for ticket prices to drop in the coming days. With less than a month to go before Salman’s film hits theatres, many believe that the positive word-of-mouth publicity surrounding Ramayana could have an impact on Salman’s film’s box-office performance.

At the grand trailer launch event in Mumbai, Salman Khan was asked whether the buzz surrounding Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana could affect his film. Responding to the question, the actor drew parallels between Lord Ram’s qualities and those of his character in Maatrubhumi, suggesting that the two share similar virtues.

Salman highlighted the qualities of Lord Ram and explained how his character in Maatrubhumi shares similar virtues. “Dekhiye, Ram ji ki kya qualities thi? Best husband, best son, best father, best warrior and the best brother. Toh ye qualities thi, ab is character mein same qualities hain” (Look, what were Lord Ram’s qualities? He was the best husband, best son, best father, best warrior and the best brother. These were his qualities, and this character has the same qualities), Salman said.

At the trailer launch of Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace, Salman also shared his thoughts on Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana. Salman said that discussions around the film should focus on its storyline and characters rather than its reported budget or visual effects (VFX).

“Ramayana ka charcha Ramayana pe hona chahiye na ki VFX and cost of production par” (Discussions about Ramayana should be about Ramayana itself, not its VFX or production cost), he said.

Salman further added, “I just think this narrative ki 4000 (budget of Ramayana) aur VFX, VFX, VFX. I just don’t think ki that is correct” (I think this narrative around the 4,000-crore budget and VFX, VFX, VFX is not right).

He continued, “I just think that the story of Ramayana should be over Ramayana, Ram, Ravana, Sita…” (I think discussions about Ramayana should focus on Ramayana itself – Ram, Ravana and Sita).

Salman also announced the film’s new release date and addressed the delay. He revealed that the team initially expected to complete the shoot in 45-50 days; however, filming took longer than anticipated.

Explaining the delay, Salman said the makers wanted to ensure that the film’s VFX met audience expectations and left no room for flaws.

“We just want this picture to visually blow everyone’s mind. And it’s a beautifully shot film,” he said.

About the film

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salman Khan Films, it also stars Chitrangda Singh, Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary, with Vijay Raaz as the narrator. Initially titled Battle Of Galwan, the film has now been officially scheduled for a December 4, 2026 theatrical release, as announced at the trailer launch.