Maatrubhumi CBFC row: Salman Khan Films denies certification trouble
Synopsis
Salman Khan Films has shut down reports of a CBFC standoff over 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace' — but the denial itself raises questions. The film hasn't even been submitted for certification yet, meaning the real test with the censor board is still ahead for this Galwan-conflict drama targeting an Independence Day release.
Key Takeaways
Salman Khan Films (SKF) issued a clarification on Saturday dismissing reports of CBFC trouble for 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace' .
SKF confirmed the film has not yet been submitted to the CBFC for certification, making reports of a withheld clearance certificate baseless.
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia , was originally set for an April 2025 release but was postponed; an August 2025 Independence Day release is now reportedly being targeted.
Previously titled 'Battle of Galwan' , the film is loosely based on Shiv Aroor's book 'India's Most Fearless' (2022) and depicts the 2020 China-India LAC skirmishes .
The story focuses on Colonel B.
Santosh Babu and 50–60 soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment who confronted China's PLA .
Salman Khan Films (SKF) on Saturday, 5 July 2025, categorically dismissed circulating reports that 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace' has encountered trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), calling the claims entirely baseless. The production house confirmed that the film has not yet been submitted to the CBFC for certification, making any reports of a withheld clearance certificate factually impossible.
SKF's Official Clarification
In a statement shared across its official social media channels, Salman Khan Films stated: 'Any claims suggesting that Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace has encountered issues with the CBFC or that its certification has been put on hold are false. The film has not yet been submitted to the CBFC for certification. Therefore, such reports are entirely baseless.'
The production house further urged media outlets and individuals to refrain from circulating unverified information, adding that all official updates regarding the film would be communicated exclusively through SKF's own channels.
What the Reports Had Claimed
Over the past several weeks, multiple reports had alleged that 'Maatrubhumi' underwent significant changes and reshoots, and that the CBFC had withheld the film's clearance certificate until further notice. SKF's clarification directly contradicts those claims, noting that no certification process has even been initiated.
About the Film
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and featuring Chitrangada Singh in a key role, 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace' was originally slated for release in April 2025. Following a postponement, reports have suggested the film may now target an August 2025 release, potentially coinciding with the Independence Day weekend.
The film was previously titled 'Battle of Galwan' before being renamed. It is loosely based on a chapter from journalist Shiv Aroor's non-fiction book 'India's Most Fearless' (2022), which chronicles the 2020 China-India skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The narrative centres on approximately 50–60 soldiers of the Indian Army's 16 Bihar Regiment, led by Colonel B. Santosh Babu, who confronted troops of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).
What Happens Next
With the CBFC submission still pending, the film's release timeline remains contingent on the certification process. Given the sensitive subject matter — rooted in a real military confrontation — the film is likely to attract close attention once it does enter the certification pipeline. The August 2025 Independence Day window, if targeted, would leave limited time for the process to conclude without hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace' been rejected or stalled by the CBFC?
No. Salman Khan Films clarified that the film has not yet been submitted to the CBFC for certification, making any reports of a withheld clearance certificate false. No certification process has been initiated as of the production house's statement.
What is 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace' about?
The film is loosely based on a chapter from Shiv Aroor's book 'India's Most Fearless' (2022) and depicts the 2020 China-India skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control. It focuses on Colonel B. Santosh Babu and soldiers of the Indian Army's 16 Bihar Regiment who confronted China's People's Liberation Army.
When is 'Maatrubhumi' expected to release?
The film was originally scheduled for April 2025 but was postponed. Reports now suggest it may target an August 2025 release around the Independence Day weekend, though no official date has been confirmed by SKF.
Who is directing 'Maatrubhumi' and who stars in it?
The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and features Chitrangada Singh in an important role, alongside Salman Khan.
Why was the film previously called 'Battle of Galwan'?
The film was retitled from 'Battle of Galwan' to 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace' during its production phase. The original title directly referenced the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.
