Salman Khan is back in uniform, and this time his latest big-screen outing comes with a story that goes beyond battlefield action. The makers of Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace released the much-awaited trailer on November 10, offering a first extended look at the war drama inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film brings together military conflict, family emotions and a message about humanity. Chitrangda Singh also features prominently as Salman’s on-screen wife.
Running for approximately four minutes and 35 seconds, the trailer moves between the breathtaking but unforgiving landscapes of Ladakh and the emotional world of soldiers preparing to leave their families behind. Salman plays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the officer who led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the Galwan confrontation. The preview gives audiences a glimpse of his character’s responsibilities both as a military leader and as a husband and father.
Salman Khan Leads The Battle In Maatrubhumi
The trailer begins with Salman’s character preparing for a challenging assignment near the border. His family is understandably concerned, but he tries to reassure them before leaving. One of the more emotional moments arrives when he explains to his young son that soldiers do not say goodbye but salute. The sequence gives the trailer a personal foundation before it moves into the escalating tension between Indian and Chinese forces.
At the border, Indian troops discover Chinese soldiers setting up tents and a patrolling post. Salman’s character initially favours resolving the situation without unnecessary violence, reminding his men that bravery is not always about fighting but also about preventing a fight. However, the confrontation becomes increasingly dangerous when the opposing forces outnumber the Indian patrol. The trailer then shifts into intense hand-to-hand combat, with Salman delivering the dialogue, “Ek Bihari, sau pe bhaari.”
Chitrangda Singh Adds Emotional Depth
While the action sequences are designed for the big screen, the family scenes appear equally important to the film’s storytelling. Chitrangda Singh’s character expresses the fear that comes with watching a loved one repeatedly leave for dangerous assignments. Her dialogue, “Jab bhi ghar laut kar aao na, sirf kahaniyan lekar aana, nishaan nahi,” captures the emotional burden carried by families of soldiers.
The trailer also attempts to look beyond conventional patriotic storytelling by highlighting the human cost of war on both sides. Its closing message suggests that humanity and patriotism should not be measured by destroying an enemy, but by ending enmity. Salman’s unexpected closing exchange with a Chinese soldier, ending with “Let’s sort this s**t, bro. Peace out,” adds a lighter touch to an otherwise intense preview.
Maatrubhumi Sets December 4 Release
Earlier announced as Battle of Galwan, the film was later renamed Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace. Salman Khan has also clarified that it is not a conventional biopic and dismissed speculation that the government forced the makers to rewrite its story. He has described the project as a film about soldiers, their families and the circumstances experienced by people on both sides of a conflict.
Produced by Salma Khan under Salman Khan Films, the film also features Zeyn Shaw and other supporting actors. Music is composed by Himesh Reshammiya and several other collaborators. After multiple changes to its release schedule, Maatrubhumi is now set to arrive in cinemas worldwide on December 4, 2026.
Final Verdict
The trailer gives Maatrubhumi a broader emotional identity than a straightforward military action film. Salman Khan’s commanding screen presence, Chitrangda Singh’s family-focused scenes and the emphasis on peace could help the film connect with audiences beyond its action sequences. The real test, however, will be whether the finished film can balance its historical inspiration, cinematic spectacle and sensitive message effectively.
