Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has announced the release date of his long-delayed war drama Matrubhoomi: May War Rest in Peace, confirming that the film will arrive in cinemas across India on December 4, 2026.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film features Salman Khan in the lead role. The actor announced the release date on Friday during a promotional event for the movie.
The film is inspired by the 2020 military clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, eastern Ladakh.
Salman Khan Explains Reason Behind Delay
Speaking about the film’s delayed release, Salman Khan said the team wanted to ensure that its visual effects met the highest standards.
He explained that VFX experts now examine film scenes in considerable detail, and the production team wanted to avoid any shortcomings that could attract criticism.
Salman said the filmmakers hoped the movie would impress audiences with its visual quality and that considerable effort had gone into filming it.
The actor also revealed that the production was initially expected to be completed within 45 to 50 days. However, an injury suffered by an actress delayed the schedule, as she needed time to recover.
According to Salman, the team had initially considered releasing the film in January or June, before postponing it to August. The release has now been scheduled for December 4.
Film Inspired By Galwan Valley Clash
The movie was initially titled Battle of Galwan before being renamed Matrubhoomi: May War Rest in Peace.
It is based on the military standoff that began in eastern Ladakh in May 2020 and the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June that year, which intensified tensions between India and China.
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash.
Salman Khan portrays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who lost his life during the confrontation alongside other soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment.
The film’s December release will mark the arrival of one of Salman Khan’s much-anticipated projects in cinemas.