Salman Khan’s ‘Maatrubhumi’ Release in Limbo as Censor Clearance Remains Elusive

Darwin, October 28: Uncertainty continues to surround the release of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi. Although reports suggest the film has received government clearance, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has yet to provide a screening date. As a result, doubts remain over whether the film will hit theatres on November 13 as planned.

According to Bollywood Hungama, the film is set against the backdrop of the 2020 India-China clashes. Initially titled Battle of Galwan, the movie was renamed Maatrubhumi earlier this year. Its China-related content and dialogue have reportedly led to several complications, with diplomatic relations between the two countries emerging as a key factor.

News of the film receiving government clearance surfaced recently. However, nearly a month later, the filmmakers have still not received a screening date required to obtain the censor certificate.

A trade source cited by Bollywood Hungama said the filmmakers applied for certification in early October. The film was scheduled to be screened on Monday, October 26, but the screening did not take place.

Salman himself has reportedly travelled to Delhi several times to contact the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in an effort to expedite the certification process.

According to the source, Salman has not sought any special treatment. He has followed the ministry’s instructions, made the required changes and complied with all certification requirements. Since he wants to release the film next month, he has been pushing for the process to be completed quickly.

Asked whether Salman’s original plan to release the film on November 13 remained unchanged, the source said the film would be released on that date if the censor certificate arrived in time.

The source also explained why the date was chosen. Salman does not want his film to clash with other major releases, as simultaneous releases could affect their box-office performance. No other film is currently scheduled to open on that particular date, making it an attractive option.

Meanwhile, Rajshri Productions’ Yeh Prem Mol Liya and Emraan Hashmi-starrer Gunmaster G9 are scheduled for release on November 27. Salman reportedly wants to release his film two weeks earlier, allowing all three movies to have a better opportunity at the box office. For this reason, a possible November 20 release has been ruled out.

Yeh Prem Mol Liya is directed by Sooraj Barjatya. Given Salman’s close relationship with the filmmaker, the actor is reportedly unwilling to release his own film alongside Barjatya’s project.

December 4 was also considered as a possible release date. However, Maatrubhumi distributor Jio Studios is planning to release Shraddha Kapoor’s Eetha on the same day. When it was pointed out that releasing two films simultaneously would not be feasible, Salman reportedly agreed.

Overall, November 13 remains the filmmakers’ preferred release date. However, whether Maatrubhumi will arrive in theatres as scheduled depends entirely on when the censor board issues its certificate.

Source: Bollywood Hungama