Salman Khan's Maatrubhumi Stuck: Why CBFC Certification is Delayed

Salman Khan's high-budget war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace is currently facing a significant roadblock. As of September 17, 2026, the film has not yet been scheduled for a screening by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), leaving it without the mandatory certification required for a theatrical debut in India.

The 'China Connection' and Certification Hurdles

The primary reason for the delay in salman khan maatrubhumi cbfc certification is what industry sources describe as the film's "China connection." According to reports from The Times of India, the film remains stuck because of geopolitical sensitivities that have created obstacles in the release process. The makers are currently in discussions with government officials to resolve these issues before the CBFC can proceed with the screening.

From 'Battle of Galwan' to 'Maatrubhumi'

The film's journey reflects a shift in India's diplomatic posture toward Beijing. Originally announced as Battle of Galwan, the movie was intended to dramatize the deadly June 2020 military clash between Indian and Chinese troops. However, as diplomatic relations began a cautious thaw—marked by a disengagement pact in October 2024—the film's direction changed significantly.

To avoid antagonizing China, the production team renamed the project Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace. Beyond the title change, the film underwent extensive reshoots to remove explicit references to the 2020 clash. Reports indicate that approximately 40% of the film was reshot to align with a more cautious government stance on "China-bashing" on screen.

Comparison: Cinematic Portrayals of Adversaries

Aspect	Typical 'Enemy' Films (e.g., Pakistan)	Maatrubhumi (China Context)
Tone	Often overtly nationalist/jingoistic	Shifted toward "enforced silence"
Govt. Stance	Generally supportive of patriotic narratives	Cautious due to strategic/economic ties
Economic Link	Limited critical trade dependence	High dependence on Chinese imports/machinery

Expected Release Date: 2026 or 2027?

There is currently no official release date. The timeline depends entirely on when the government and the filmmakers resolve the certification stalemate. While the makers hope for a 2026 theatrical release, industry sources suggest that a lack of vacant slots and the ongoing delays could push the movie into 2027.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film stars Salman Khan alongside Chitrangada Singh and Ankur Bhatia. Its fate serves as a case study on how India's strategic interests and economic dependencies—including imports reaching approximately $132 billion in the 2025-26 financial year—can directly influence Bollywood's creative output.