Salman Khan has dismissed speculation that the Indian government pressured the makers of Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace to change its original storyline because of concerns over its portrayal of China. Speaking at the film’s trailer launch in Mumbai on November 6, the actor called the reports baseless and explained that the war drama focuses on the experiences of soldiers and their families on both sides of the border.
The film, initially announced as Battle of Galwan, has undergone considerable changes during its development. Its new title and evolving storyline sparked questions about whether the makers had been asked to soften their portrayal of the 2020 India-China military confrontation. Salman has now rejected that narrative, while acknowledging that director Apoorva Lakhia originally had a different version of the story.
Salman Khan Calls Government Pressure Reports ‘Bakwaas’
Addressing questions about the alleged script changes, Salman said, “Rewrite karo, ye sab bakwaas hai. It’s not true at all.”
He explained that the film was developed around the lives of soldiers and the difficulties experienced by their families, regardless of which side of the border they belong to.
“We have made a film about these soldiers, what they go through and what their families go through, on both sides. So, there is no negativity in it. It is just that the circumstances are negative,” the actor explained.
Salman also acknowledged that Apoorva Lakhia had initially developed a different version of the project. However, he did not provide specific details about the differences between the original concept and the current screenplay.
Maatrubhumi Is Not an Anti-China Film, Says Salman
Another important clarification came when Salman was asked whether the film could affect India-China relations because of its subject.
The actor explained that the story is not intended to portray either country negatively. Instead, it examines how soldiers can share personal connections and mutual respect despite being positioned on opposite sides during a military confrontation.
He also highlighted that national duty takes priority when circumstances demand it. This approach suggests that Maatrubhumi aims to explore the human consequences of conflict rather than simply presenting a conventional patriotic-versus-antagonist narrative.
Salman further clarified that the film is inspired by real events but is not a biopic. The story draws from the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.
Maatrubhumi Arrives in Cinemas on December 4
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salman Khan Films, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace stars Salman alongside Chitrangda Singh, Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia and Zeyn Shaw.
The film will release in theatres on December 4, 2026. Its journey from Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi has generated considerable discussion, particularly around its subject and repeated release delays.
Salman’s latest clarification gives audiences a better understanding of the filmmakers’ intended direction. Rather than focusing exclusively on the political dimensions of the India-China confrontation, the film appears to place soldiers, their responsibilities and their families at the centre of its narrative.
