Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace has reportedly received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry after significant changes were made to its original storyline and treatment of the India-China conflict.
According to The Indian Express, citing a Bollywood Hungama report, the revised version of the film has been cleared by the ministry and will now need certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before it can be released in cinemas.
The film, which was originally titled Battle of Galwan, is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Reports said the filmmakers carried out reshoots and altered several portions after concerns emerged over the way the India-China conflict was portrayed.
The latest version of the movie is reportedly significantly different from the original and presents India-China relations in a more positive light. A source quoted in the report said officials at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry were satisfied with the revised version and issued the NOC last week.
The film had remained uncertain for months because of the sensitivity surrounding its subject. Its original teaser showed Salman Khan portraying Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who was among the Indian soldiers killed during the Galwan clash.
The teaser had also drawn criticism from Chinese state-backed media, while India’s Ministry of External Affairs said earlier that it had no role in such film projects.
In March, the film’s title was changed from Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. Director Apoorva Lakhia had said the title change was not a sudden decision and that both names had been registered earlier.
He said the filmmakers ultimately believed the movie was not only about a military confrontation but also about humanity, empathy and the experiences of soldiers.
Reports later suggested that the filmmakers toned down some of the battlefield and anti-China elements and carried out additional reshoots and patchwork in Mumbai.
Maatrubhumi was initially expected to release in April but was later postponed indefinitely. Other possible release windows were subsequently discussed, although none materialised.
Salman Khan Films had also denied earlier reports suggesting that the movie was facing problems with the CBFC, maintaining that it had not yet been submitted to the certification board at that stage.
Following the reported clearance from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the CBFC certification process is now the major remaining step before the film can reach cinemas.
The makers are reportedly considering November 13, 2026, as a possible theatrical release date. However, the date has not been officially confirmed and is expected to depend on whether the movie completes the CBFC certification process in time.