Salman Khan’s much-delayed war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace is finally heading to theatres on December 4, 2026. The superstar announced the new release date during the film’s trailer launch in Mumbai on November 6, putting an end to another round of uncertainty surrounding the project. However, the announcement comes with another schedule change, as the film was previously expected to arrive in cinemas on November 20.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced under Salman Khan Films, the movie features Chitrangda Singh in the female lead. Initially announced as Battle of Galwan, the project has undergone a title change, production adjustments and several release postponements since its original announcement.
Salman Khan Explains Why Maatrubhumi Was Delayed
Speaking to reporters at the trailer launch, Salman addressed the repeated changes to the film’s release schedule. He explained that the production team wanted to ensure the visual effects met the expectations of modern audiences, particularly because viewers increasingly examine individual shots closely.
“Today, there are a lot of VFX experts out there who examine each and every shot of a film. So, with this film, we don’t want to give anyone an opportunity to zoom in on a scene and criticise its VFX. We want this film to visually blow everyone’s mind. It is a beautifully shot film,” Salman told reporters.
The actor also revealed that the production encountered an unexpected setback involving an injury to his co-star, Chitrangda Singh, which affected the filming schedule.
“We thought we would be able to complete the film in 45-50 days, but madam got injured, and it took her time to recover,” he added.
Salman further recalled that the film had previously been considered for January, June and August before the makers settled on December 4.
From Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi
The film draws inspiration from the June 2020 Galwan Valley confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops. Salman portrays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment who led Indian soldiers during the confrontation and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
The title change from Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace also reflects the filmmakers’ intention to explore a broader emotional narrative. Rather than focusing exclusively on battlefield action, the film aims to examine sacrifice, military duty and the impact of conflict on soldiers and their families.
Alongside Salman and Chitrangda, the cast includes Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary.
Maatrubhumi Faces a December Box Office Clash
The December 4 release places Maatrubhumi in competition with Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming biographical drama Eetha, which is also scheduled for the same date.
For Salman, the film represents an important theatrical release following the underwhelming box-office performance of Sikandar. Its different subject matter also gives audiences an opportunity to see him in a military-inspired role rather than a conventional action entertainer.
With the trailer now unveiled and the release date officially announced, the focus shifts towards the film’s promotional campaign and audience response. December 4 will determine whether the long-delayed project can translate its ambitious subject and production scale into a successful theatrical outing.
