Ever since reports surfaced about Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi being sanitised with mentions of China removed, there has been strong speculation that the film might skip theatres and go straight to OTT. However, a source close to the project has now dismissed these claims. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the film is still very much planned for a theatrical release.
The source clarified, “Salman continues to be a mega star, and he has mounted Maatrubhumi on a grand scale. It’s a film for the big screen, and hence, he and director Apoorva Lakhia are committed to releasing the film theatrically once the issues surrounding the film are resolved,” said a source. Another insider also addressed the OTT speculation, explaining, “There’s a general misconception among certain people that there’s no censorship on OTT. Hence, they feel that if Salman Khan opts to skip a theatrical release, he’ll be able to drop the film on OTT without any problem. However, that’s not how it works. Every film that releases directly on streaming platforms also goes through the certification process, just like any theatrical film. So, even for a direct-to-OTT premiere, the government must clear the film before it can be presented to the public.”
Meanwhile, the film itself appears to be going through a major transformation. Initially titled Battle of Galwan and inspired by the real-life 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley, the project has now taken a different direction. The title has been changed to Maatrubhumi, references to China and the Galwan Valley have reportedly been removed, and the team is said to be undertaking extensive reshoots.
The teaser, released in December, had shown Salman leading troops in a close combat battle against Chinese forces in Eastern Ladakh and drew attention for its strong subject. It also stirred controversy after China’s state-backed media, particularly Global Times, claimed it distorts facts and promotes anti-China sentiment. Produced by Salma Khan and featuring Chitrangda Singh, the film now aims to focus on themes of courage, sacrifice and resilience, blending the intensity of war with emotional elements of love and family. The makers are yet to announce a release date.
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