Salman Khan’s much-awaited war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace has finally received a confirmed theatrical release date. The film, which was earlier scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, will now release on December 4, 2026. Salman announced the revised date at the film’s trailer launch event in Mumbai on Friday, November 6.
The announcement came as a last-minute development, with promotional material at the venue still carrying the earlier November 20 date. According to reports, posters and banners displaying the original date had to be covered with black tape just hours before the event as the team updated its publicity material.
The latest change marks another development in the film’s long and uncertain journey towards theatres. Originally announced as Battle of Galwan, the project was later renamed Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace and faced multiple schedule changes before its new December release was announced.
Maatrubhumi release date changed from November 20 to December 4
The makers had reportedly settled on November 20 as the film’s theatrical release date before changing plans shortly before the trailer launch. A report by India Today described the last-minute preparations, revealing that the publicity campaign had already been prepared around the earlier date.
A source cited in the report said the team had met a few days earlier to finalise the schedule and decided to hold the trailer launch on November 6, just before Diwali. However, unexpected changes forced the team to quickly revise the trailer, posters and banners.
The source also indicated that the team was hoping the film would now reach cinemas without further complications. The revised date was subsequently announced by Salman himself at the Mumbai event, confirming December 4 as the new theatrical release date.
Salman Khan explains why Maatrubhumi was delayed
At the trailer launch, Salman addressed the repeated changes to the film’s release schedule and explained that the team wanted to ensure the visual effects met its expectations.
The actor said that audiences today closely examine visual effects and can scrutinise individual shots. He explained that the makers wanted the film to look visually impressive rather than leave room for criticism of its VFX.
Salman also revealed that the team had initially expected to complete the film within 45 to 50 days. However, Chitrangda Singh’s injury affected the production timeline, as she needed time to recover.
The actor recalled that the film had previously been expected to release in January or June, before being pushed to August and subsequently delayed again. It is now scheduled to arrive in theatres on December 4.
Maatrubhumi trailer launch and CBFC clearance
The trailer of Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace was unveiled on November 6 at an event in Mumbai, with Salman attending alongside the film’s team. The trailer had received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification on November 4.
The trailer was awarded a U/A 16+ certificate and has a reported runtime of 4 minutes and 43 seconds. It is important to distinguish this approval from the certification of the complete feature film.
Reports around the release had previously discussed delays involving the film’s clearance process. However, the trailer’s certification and the subsequent announcement of the theatrical date marked important developments ahead of its release.
Salman Khan dismisses rumours of government pressure on Maatrubhumi
The film’s journey has also attracted attention because of its subject. Initially titled Battle of Galwan, the project draws inspiration from the June 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.
There had been reports and speculation about possible changes to the film’s content and concerns surrounding its portrayal of India-China relations. At the trailer launch, Salman dismissed claims that the government had pressured the makers to rewrite the script.
The actor explained that the film focuses on soldiers and their families on both sides of the conflict. He said the makers wanted to portray what military personnel experience and the circumstances in which they serve, rather than create negativity towards either side.
His comments offered a clearer picture of how the team views the film’s central theme, while also addressing speculation that had surrounded its delayed release.
Maatrubhumi cast and story details
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced under Salman Khan Films, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace stars Salman Khan alongside Chitrangda Singh. The supporting cast includes Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary.
Salman portrays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment who led Indian troops during the Galwan Valley clash. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery.
The film is inspired by the events of June 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian Army personnel.
With its trailer now unveiled and December 4 confirmed as its theatrical release date, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace is moving closer to its long-awaited big-screen debut. After several changes to its schedule and title, the film is now preparing to meet audiences with Salman Khan leading its cast.
