Mumbai: Television actor Kanchi Kaul is celebrating a special milestone as her sons, Azai and Ivarr, prepare to make their acting debut in Salman Khan‘s upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. The proud mother attended the film’s trailer launch event in Mumbai with her children and shared glimpses from the occasion on social media.
Kanchi posted several pictures and videos from the event on her Instagram Stories. One video showed her recording Azai and Ivarr as they posed in front of a poster of Maatrubhumi. The clip carried a simple but affectionate caption: “Proud Mom.”
The video captured a memorable moment for the family, as the two boys are set to take their first steps into the film industry with the Salman Khan-starrer. Their appearance at the trailer launch also drew attention from actor Riteish Deshmukh, who shared the video on his own social media handle.
Riteish Deshmukh sends love to Azai and Ivarr
Riteish Deshmukh shared Kanchi’s video and expressed his excitement about the children’s upcoming acting debut. Calling them his favourite boys, he wrote, “My favourite boys are going to have the most adorable debut – Azai & Ivarr – I love you !! So proud of you both.”
Kanchi reshared Riteish’s post and responded warmly, writing, “Thank you Riteish uncle…our forever fav.”
The exchange offered a glimpse into the close bond shared by the two families. Riteish and his wife, actor Genelia D’Souza, are close friends of television actor Shabir Ahluwalia and his wife Kanchi Kaul.
The couples are often seen spending time together and sharing photographs from their outings and family gatherings on social media. Their friendship has also been visible through their affectionate public interactions.
Riteish’s message added another emotional moment to the occasion, with the actor publicly cheering on Azai and Ivarr as they prepare to make their debut on the big screen.
For Kanchi, the film’s trailer launch was therefore more than a promotional event. It marked an important moment for her children, who are entering the entertainment industry through a major Hindi film featuring one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Salman Khan plays an Indian Army officer in Maatrubhumi
Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace features Salman Khan in the role of an Indian Army officer. His character is inspired by the late Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Colonel Santosh Babu was associated with the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control. The film draws heavily from the real-life confrontation and explores a military narrative inspired by the events.
Chitrangda Singh plays a leading role alongside Salman Khan. The supporting cast includes Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary.
The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia, known for his work on action-oriented stories. Its subject places it among the Hindi films drawing on real military events and the experiences of Indian armed forces personnel.
The makers have also drawn on accounts from journalist Shiv Aroor’s book India’s Most Fearless, which documents stories of courage involving members of the Indian armed forces.
Film renamed from Battle of Galwan
The project was initially announced under the title Battle of Galwan. It was later renamed Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace.
The change in title came as the film’s production and promotional campaign progressed. The new name places emphasis on the film’s broader theme of patriotism and the human consequences of conflict.
The story remains inspired by the Galwan Valley confrontation, which brought India-China border tensions into sharp focus in 2020. The film’s subject has attracted attention because it draws on a significant event in recent Indian military history.
With Salman Khan playing an Army officer inspired by Colonel Santosh Babu, the project has also generated interest among audiences following the actor’s choice of role.
The film’s cast combines established performers with younger actors, including Azai and Ivarr, whose debut has now become a talking point following their appearance at the trailer launch.
Release postponed for VFX work and recovery from injury
The film’s release schedule was changed to allow the production team additional time to complete its visual effects work.
Salman Khan had earlier explained that the postponement would give the makers more time to refine the VFX and ensure that the film achieved the visual standards they wanted. A project based on a military confrontation is likely to require detailed visual treatment, particularly for its action sequences and battlefield settings.
The delay also provided time for the production team to recover from an injury sustained by Chitrangda Singh during filming.
The makers have now scheduled the film’s release for December 4. The new date gives audiences a clearer timeline for the arrival of the Salman Khan-starrer in theatres.
Azai and Ivarr’s debut adds a family moment to the film’s launch
While the film’s military subject and Salman Khan’s role remain central to its promotional campaign, Kanchi Kaul’s social media posts have brought attention to another aspect of the project.
Azai and Ivarr’s acting debut is an important milestone for the family. Their appearance alongside their mother at the trailer launch, followed by Riteish Deshmukh’s affectionate message, made the occasion particularly memorable.
Kanchi’s “Proud Mom” caption reflected her excitement without needing a lengthy message. Her response to Riteish also highlighted the friendship between the families, who have shared a close relationship over the years.
As Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace moves towards its December 4 release, audiences will be watching both Salman Khan’s portrayal of an Army officer and the film’s wider ensemble. For Kanchi and her family, however, the project already holds a special place as the first big-screen appearance of Azai and Ivarr.