Superstar Salman Khan on Monday revealed that his upcoming film, previously titled The Battle of Galwan, has been renamed Maatrubhumi. The decision comes after controversy sparked by China’s response to the project.
Sharing the new poster of the film on social media, Khan wrote, “May War Rest In Peace. #Maatrubhumi.”
The newly released poster features Khan as a battle-worn soldier set against an intense war backdrop. His face appears covered in blood, dirt, and wounds, with a deep cut on his forehead and bruises visible across his face.
Staring directly into the camera with a fierce expression, the actor is seen gripping a weapon wrapped in barbed wire. The dusty battlefield background also shows blurred silhouettes of soldiers, adding to the dramatic tone of the film.
Earlier, a song from the film titled Maatrubhumi, sung by Arijit Singh, was also released.
Battle of Galwan plot
The film was initially based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. According to a media report, Salman Khan was set to portray Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the Indian Army officer who sacrificed his life along with 19 soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment while defending Indian territory.
Babu was posthumously honoured with India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, the Maha Vir Chakra.
Battle of Galwan controversy
Following the teaser release on Salman Khan’s 60th birthday, the film drew criticism from China’s Global Times, which alleged that the movie was a cinematic exaggeration and accused it of distorting facts.
The teaser showed an Indian Army officer (played by Khan) leading soldiers charging toward members of the People’s Liberation Army, with the song “Mera Bharat Desh Mahaan Hai” playing in the background.
The teaser also featured a voice-over by Salman Khan, where he said, “Soldiers, remember, if you get hurt, treat it like a medal and if you see death, salute it.”
India govt on Battle of Galwan
Responding to the controversy, a government source told PTI, “India has a tradition of cinematic expression. A movie titled ‘Haqeeqat’ was made in 1964 and the theme was the India-China war of 1962. Another film ‘120 Bahadur’ was made recently on the legendary battle of Rezang La. Cinemas are an artistic expression and India does not restrict it.”
Later, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “We understand that a film of this nature is being planned. Issues regarding film-making in India, as you are well aware, are looked after by relevant authorities. And as far as we are concerned, MEA has no role in this or such ventures.”
What happened at Galwan Valley
The military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020. The clash at Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020 led to a sharp deterioration in relations between India and China.
According to PTI, 20 Indian Army personnel were killed during the clash. In February 2021, China acknowledged that five of its military personnel were killed, although several observers believe the actual number of Chinese casualties may have been higher
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