Mumbai: Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Maatrubhumi has reportedly hit another hurdle after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withheld its clearance certificate until further notice, according to sources. The film, inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, had already witnessed a postponement earlier this year and now appears unlikely to meet its expected August release window.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salma Khan under the Salman Khan Films banner, Maatrubhumi was originally announced as Battle of Galwan. The makers later changed the title amid controversy, but the latest development suggests the certification process remains incomplete.

According to sources, the CBFC has not yet issued the final clearance certificate, delaying the producers’ plans to announce a new release date.

CBFC clearance remains pending

Sources told NDTV that the censor board has withheld the film’s certification until further notice, making another postponement likely.

The film was initially scheduled to release on April 17, ahead of Eid, but was delayed without an official release date being announced. Industry sources later indicated that the makers were targeting an August release, possibly around the Independence Day weekend.

With the certification still pending, that timeline now appears uncertain.

The producers have not yet issued an official statement regarding the latest delay or announced a revised release schedule.

Title changed amid controversy

The film was originally titled Battle of Galwan, directly referencing the June 2020 military confrontation in the Galwan Valley.

However, following criticism from some quarters, including reactions on Chinese social media platform Weibo, the makers decided to rename the film Maatrubhumi.

Several users on Weibo accused the film of presenting a one-sided account of the Galwan Valley clash after its teaser surfaced online.

Following the title change, promotional material and other related content were reportedly updated to reflect the new name.

Despite the rebranding, the film has continued to attract attention because of its subject matter.

MEA clarified it has no role

Earlier this year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that it has no role in approving or regulating films produced in India.

Responding to media queries about reports claiming the ministry had raised objections to the film, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said matters related to filmmaking are handled by the appropriate authorities.

He stated that the ministry was aware of the proposed film but emphasised that certification and other regulatory issues fall within the jurisdiction of the relevant agencies rather than the MEA.

The clarification came after speculation linked the certification delay to diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the India-China border dispute.

Film based on Galwan Valley clash

Maatrubhumi is inspired by the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020, one of the most significant military confrontations between India and China in recent decades.

In the film, Salman Khan portrays Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who led Indian troops during the confrontation while enforcing the agreed disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Colonel Santosh Babu was among the Indian Army personnel who lost their lives during the clash and was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award.

The film aims to depict the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the conflict.

Star cast and production details

Apart from Salman Khan, the film stars Chitrangda Singh in a pivotal role.

Actors Abhilash Chaudhary and Ankur Bhatia also feature in key characters, while the film’s music has been composed by Himesh Reshammiya.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the project is being produced by Salma Khan under the Salman Khan Films banner.

The teaser was unveiled on December 27, 2025, coinciding with Salman Khan’s 60th birthday, generating significant interest among fans.

Since then, however, the film has remained in the spotlight more for its certification issues than its promotional campaign.

Salman Khan’s recent projects

Salman Khan was last seen in Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna.

Maatrubhumi is expected to mark a departure from the actor’s recent commercial entertainers, with the film focusing on patriotism, military service and the events surrounding the Galwan Valley clash.

Given its subject and Salman Khan’s portrayal of a decorated Army officer, the film remains one of the most anticipated Hindi releases despite the delays.

Conclusion

With the CBFC yet to issue the final clearance certificate, Maatrubhumi faces fresh uncertainty over its theatrical release. Although the title has been changed from Battle of Galwan, the certification process remains incomplete, making an August release increasingly doubtful. The makers are expected to announce a revised release schedule once the film receives its censor certificate.