Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi to Screen Before CBFC Ahead of…

Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi Back in Line for Diwali After CBFC Screening

Maatrubhumi to screen before CBFC; Diwali hopes hinge on censor nod

Current hype level78

Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi is back in the frame — and this time, it’s heading straight to the CBFC. The film, originally titled Battle of Galwan and based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, is reportedly set for a screening with India’s Central Board of Film Certification this week. No new changes have been made since the last round of edits, according to a source cited by Hindustan Times in a report picked up by Cinema Express.

That’s not saying much, though, the film was already reshoots-ed to remove all direct references to China, and now, the makers are aiming for a Diwali release. A week after Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana: Rise of a Legend hits theatres, no less. That timing says everything about the ambition. And the pressure.

The film, produced by Salma Khan under Salman Khan Films, is directed by Apoorva Lakhia, who’s making his first move with the superstar. Chitrangada Singh co-stars in a key role. But here’s the twist: earlier reports claimed the film had been halted by the I&B ministry over its portrayal of Indo-China relations.

Now, other sources say there was never an official block, just speculation. So is this a film that got pulled back from the edge, or one that was always meant to walk the tightrope? The answer lies in what happens next at the CBFC. If approved, Maatrubhumi could be the biggest political war film to land in Indian cinemas since the last decade.

And if it isn’t? Well, Diwali will still come. But the clock’s ticking.