Fresh uncertainty has reportedly emerged around Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, while another film based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash has allegedly been shelved altogether. Reports claimed that concerns surrounding politically sensitive portrayals of China may have contributed to the situation.
Salman Khan’s film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, was earlier announced under the title Battle of Galwan before being renamed Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. The project is inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.
Galwan film shelved amid China concerns
According to reports by The Indian Express, filmmaker Himalaya Dasani claimed that another movie based on the Galwan conflict was shelved because the makers were allegedly advised against portraying China negatively on screen. Reports quoted him as saying, “Can’t bash China,” while discussing the challenges surrounding such projects.
The reports of Indian Express have reignited discussions online about the difficulties filmmakers may face while handling politically sensitive international subjects, especially stories connected to ongoing diplomatic relations.
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What’s happening with Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi?
Reports also suggested that Maatrubhumi itself remains in a state of uncertainty despite significant buzz around the project since its teaser release. The film was initially expected to release earlier this year, but its schedule reportedly changed after conversations around the film’s anti-China tone gained attention.
Reports of Indian Express further claimed that portions of the movie are being reshot, although no official confirmation regarding major story changes has been announced by the makers yet.
The teaser released last year showed Salman Khan portraying a soldier involved in the Galwan Valley conflict. The film reportedly draws inspiration from a chapter in the book India’s Most Fearless.
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Why did the title change?
Earlier this year, the makers officially changed the title from Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. Director Apoorva Lakhia later explained that the film was intended to carry a broader emotional and anti-war message rather than focusing only on the battle itself.
The new title and poster were unveiled by Salman Khan on social media, where the actor appeared in an intense military look from the film.
