Salman Khan’s ‘Maatrubhumi’ faces fresh CBFC roadblock despite earlier name change
Salman Khan’s forthcoming war drama ‘Maatrubhumi’ has encountered a fresh setback at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), despite the film undergoing a title change and content revisions earlier in the year. The project, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, had previously been known as ‘Battle of Galwan’, but was retitled following concerns raised during preliminary certification. At the time, a production source confirmed, “The title of the film was recently changed from ‘Battle of Galwan’ to ‘Maatrubhumi’. Changes are being made accordingly.”
However, even with these adjustments, the CBFC has not granted clearance. Multiple reputable outlets, including NDTV and News18, report that the Board has withheld certification until further notice, leaving the film’s release timeline uncertain. The latest queries are understood to relate to specific sequences and thematic elements that the CBFC has asked the makers to review or justify under its guidelines for public exhibition.
The Ministry of External Affairs has distanced itself from the matter, clarifying that it has no role in the film’s approval process. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Issues regarding filmmaking in India, as you are well aware, are looked after by the relevant authorities. And as far as we are concerned, MEA has no role in this or such ventures.”
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Director Apoorva Lakhia has previously addressed the title change, noting that it was part of a longer creative evolution rather than a sudden decision. He explained, “Changing the title may feel sudden to SK sir’s fans, but it was never an overnight decision… At its heart, the film is about humanity, empathy, and the silent battles our soldiers fight.”
With certification still pending, ‘Maatrubhumi’ is expected to miss its earlier targeted release window. The makers have not issued a fresh statement on the current CBFC hold, but industry observers note that the film has now faced multiple layers of scrutiny, making this the most significant delay yet.
