Ban rumours surround Salman Khan's 'Matrubhoomi':No censor certificate yet; title changed following Chinese social media protests

The release of Salman Khan's upcoming film Matrubhoomi has hit a roadblock after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly decided to withhold its clearance certificate for the time being. The film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers. According to reports, the CBFC has not granted certification yet, putting the film's planned release in doubt. Interestingly, the film was originally titled Battle of Galwan. However, following objections and criticism on Chinese social media platforms, the makers reportedly changed the title to Matrubhoomi. The film was initially slated for release on April 17 during Eid, but the date was later pushed to August. With the certification still pending, reports suggest that the August release may also be delayed. Censor Board halts certificate until further notice According to an NDTV report, the Censor Board has currently put a hold on issuing a certificate for the film 'Matrubhoomi'. The film's makers hoped it would be released in August on the Independence Day weekend, but now it seems difficult due to not receiving the new certificate. This film has been produced by Salma Khan under the banner of Salman Khan Films, and its director is Apoorva Lakhia. The film stars Salman Khan along with actresses Chitrangada Singh, Abhilash Chaudhary, and Ankur Bhatia in lead roles. The film's music has been composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Name changed after protest on Chinese social media Controversy had started even before the release of this film. Last year in December, when the teaser of the film was released, there was a lot of protest against it on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Chinese users had accused the makers of misrepresenting the Galwan Valley incident. After this controversy, the makers changed the name of the film from 'Battle of Galwan' to 'Matrubhoomi'. Along with changing the name, some changes were also made in the script and scenes of the film. MEA had earlier clarified its stand on the film Earlier this year, the film also became the subject of speculation after reports claimed that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had objected to a movie based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Responding to the reports in January, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the ministry has no role in approving or regulating films in India. He said matters related to film production and certification are handled by the concerned authorities and confirmed that the ministry had not imposed any ban on the film. Salman Khan plays Colonel Santosh Babu The teaser of Matrubhoomi was unveiled on December 27, 2025, coinciding with Salman Khan's 60th birthday. In the film, Salman portrays Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who led Indian troops during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with Chinese soldiers. Colonel Santosh Babu lost his life in the line of duty during the conflict and was later honoured for his bravery. The film is based on the events surrounding the Galwan Valley clash and pays tribute to the soldiers who fought there.