Salman Khan hosts Maatrubhumi rough cut screening for Ghai, Barjatya, Dhawan
Synopsis
Salman Khan quietly gathered Bollywood's directing elite — Subhash Ghai, Sooraj Barjatya, David Dhawan, Kabir Khan — for a rough cut viewing of 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace', a film rooted in the Galwan Valley clash. With no release date locked yet, this screening signals the film is inching closer to its final form.
Key Takeaways
Salman Khan hosted a private rough cut screening of 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace' in Mumbai .
Attendees included Subhash Ghai , Sooraj Barjatya , David Dhawan , Kabir Khan , Riteish Deshmukh , Chitrangada Singh , and Siddharth Roy Kapur .
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia , is reportedly based on the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.
Previously titled 'Battle of Galwan' , the film was pushed back from its initial April 2026 release; no final date has been announced.
Ghai described the film's theme as one of 'mutual peace n respect' between soldiers of India and China.
Salman Khan recently hosted a private screening of the rough cut of his forthcoming film 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace' at a gathering in Mumbai, bringing together some of Bollywood's most celebrated directors and industry veterans for an exclusive first look at the project.
Who Was in the Room
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai shared a group photograph from the evening that captured an impressive cross-section of Hindi cinema's directing fraternity. The image featured Sooraj Barjatya, David Dhawan, Kabir Khan, Rumi Jafry, Riteish Deshmukh, Chitrangada Singh, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and director Apoorva Lakhia, among others. Salman was seen in an all-black outfit, while Chitrangada Singh complemented the frame in a white ensemble.
What Subhash Ghai Said
Ghai, who stood at the centre of the group frame, posted the photograph with a heartfelt note. 'It was so beautiful to see my favourite directors together at food square today to watch a rough cut of Apoorva lakhiya film MATRI BOOMI with lead stars salman khan n Chitrangada based on a touching story of soldiers of india n china at Galwan border with their respective emotions for their nations n their families with a theme of mutual peace n respect. Thank u dear salman for inviting n we wish u grand success of matribhoomi. With blessings,' Ghai wrote.
About the Film
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace' — earlier titled 'Battle of Galwan' — is reportedly inspired by the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The film stars Salman Khan alongside Chitrangada Singh and is described as centring on the emotions of soldiers from both nations and their families, framed around a theme of mutual peace and respect.
Release Date Still Unconfirmed
The film was initially slated for an April 2026 release, but reports suggest it was pushed back amid changes that also included the title revision. As of now, the makers have not officially announced a final release date. Salman has, however, been actively promoting the project, having unveiled tracks and promotional videos on his social media accounts.
Salman's Bond With the Directors Present
The gathering underlined Salman's deep professional ties with several of the directors in the room. He and Sooraj Barjatya have collaborated on 'Maine Pyar Kiya', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', and 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'. His partnership with Kabir Khan produced hits including 'Ek Tha Tiger', 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', and 'Tubelight', while David Dhawan directed him in 'Judwaa', 'Biwi No.1', and 'Partner', among others. The screening, by all accounts, doubled as a reunion of some of Bollywood's most enduring creative alliances.
With the film's release date yet to be locked, industry watchers will be closely tracking the next official announcement from the makers.
Point of View
Barjatya, and Dhawan is less a social event and more a deliberate credibility-building exercise for a film that has already slipped its release window once. 'Maatrubhumi' carries the additional weight of its subject — the Galwan clash — which makes the framing of 'mutual peace and respect' a notable creative and commercial choice in the current geopolitical climate. Whether that positioning broadens the film's appeal or dilutes its dramatic tension will be the central question when it finally hits screens. The absence of a confirmed release date, despite active promotional activity, suggests the makers are still calibrating the moment.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace' about?
'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace' is an upcoming Bollywood film directed by Apoorva Lakhia, reportedly inspired by the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. It stars Salman Khan and Chitrangada Singh, and is described as exploring the emotions of soldiers from both nations and their families, built around a theme of mutual peace and respect.
When will 'Maatrubhumi' release?
No official release date has been confirmed as of now. The film was initially scheduled for April 2026 but was reportedly pushed back amid changes, including a title revision from its earlier name 'Battle of Galwan'.
Who attended Salman Khan's private screening?
The screening was attended by veteran filmmakers Subhash Ghai, Sooraj Barjatya, David Dhawan, Kabir Khan, and Rumi Jafry, along with Riteish Deshmukh, Chitrangada Singh, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and director Apoorva Lakhia, among others.
What did Subhash Ghai say about the screening?
Ghai shared a group photograph and wrote that it was 'beautiful' to see his favourite directors together watching the rough cut of a film based on the Galwan border story, praising its theme of mutual peace and respect, and wished Salman grand success for the film.
Which films has Salman Khan made with the directors who attended the screening?
Salman has collaborated with Sooraj Barjatya on 'Maine Pyar Kiya', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', and 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'; with Kabir Khan on 'Ek Tha Tiger', 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', and 'Tubelight'; and with David Dhawan on 'Judwaa', 'Biwi No.1', and 'Partner', among others.
