Salman Khan’s highly anticipated war drama has undergone a title change, now called Maatrubhumi. The announcement was made on social media, where the actor unveiled a new poster of the film and expressed his poignant message: “May War Rest In Peace.” Salman also tagged the film’s director, Apoorva Lakhia, actress Chitrangda Singh, and his production company.
The recently revealed poster showcases a bloodied and battered Salman Khan preventing a pole entwined with barbed wire from striking him, with the new title prominently displayed. Notably, the poster does not mention a release date, although earlier announcements hinted at an April 10 premiere.
A teaser for Maatrubhumi was released in December, depicting Salman Khan leading troops in a combat scenario against Chinese forces in Eastern Ladakh. This teaser drew mixed reactions, with some viewers likening a scene featuring Salman wielding a barbed wire bat to Jon Snow’s iconic stance from the “Battle of the Bastards” episode of Game of Thrones. Critics also addressed Salman’s expression during intense moments, prompting the actor to clarify that his character’s stoic demeanor is fitting for his role as a Colonel.
Following the title announcement, fans expressed confusion about the changes, questioning if the film had indeed been renamed to Maatrubhumi.
The movie centers around the Galwan conflict between Indian and Chinese military forces in 2020. It has attracted controversy, particularly from Chinese state-run media like the Global Times, which accused the film of misrepresenting facts and inciting anti-China sentiment.
Maatrubhumi, produced by Salma Khan under Salman Khan Films and directed by Apoorva Lakhia, casts Salman as an Indian Army Colonel leading a mission against a larger Chinese force. The creators intend for the film to depict themes of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, while also exploring intimate stories of love and family amidst the backdrop of conflict.