Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi has started creating massive buzz even before its release after veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai called it a “must watch” film following a special rough-cut screening. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the emotional war drama is inspired by the tensions between Indian and Chinese soldiers and focuses on patriotism, sacrifice and family emotions. The film was earlier titled Battle Of Galwan before being renamed Maatrubhumi. Salman Khan’s intense Ladakh shoot, physical transformation, massive action scenes and the film’s controversy surrounding the Galwan clash have further increased curiosity among fans waiting for one of Bollywood’s biggest releases of 2026.
Subhash Ghai Calls Salman Khan Film A Must Watch
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently watched the rough cut of Maatrubhumi along with Kabir Khan, Sooraj Barjatya, David Dhawan, Riteish Deshmukh, Chitrangda Singh and several industry insiders. Soon after the screening, he shared his thoughts online and called the film a “must watch”.
According to Ghai, the film emotionally captures the human side of soldiers and their families during tense situations between India and China. Instead of focusing only on war action, the film reportedly explores sacrifice, emotions and patriotism in a more personal way.
His review instantly grabbed attention because:
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It is the first public reaction to the film
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The praise came from a respected filmmaker
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Fans were already curious after the title change
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Salman Khan’s intense new look became viral again
Many Salman fans also started sharing the post widely across social media, calling this one of his most serious films in recent years.
so beautiful to see my favourite directors together@food square today to watch a rough cut of a Apoorva lakhiya film MATRI BHUMI@ starring #salman khan based on a warm story of indo china soldiers with their respective emotions for their nations n families. A must watch film.🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/i7TP2VnDnq
— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) May 28, 2026
Salman Khan Ladakh Shoot Became Extremely Difficult
Salman Khan has openly admitted that Maatrubhumi was physically exhausting for him. The actor revealed earlier that shooting in Ladakh at high altitude was one of the hardest experiences of his career.
The film reportedly required:
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Heavy military action sequences
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Freezing water scenes
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Long outdoor shoots in difficult weather
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Intense running and combat training
Sources close to the production also claimed Salman followed a strict calisthenics-based fitness routine during the 45-day Ladakh schedule because carrying a full gym setup was not possible there.
The actor reportedly trained for stamina and endurance more than just body transformation. Many fans noticed that Salman looked leaner and sharper during recent appearances, which added more curiosity around the film.
Why Battle Of Galwan Became Maatrubhumi
One of the biggest talking points around the film has been its title change. The project was originally announced as Battle of Galwan, directly referencing the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.
However, the makers later renamed the film to Maatrubhumi May War Rest In Peace.
According to reports by Hindustan Times and other entertainment portals, the new title was reportedly chosen becausee:
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The makers reportedly wanted the film to feel emotionally larger than just one military event. There were also reports that certain scenes were being reshot and the team wanted to avoid unnecessary geopolitical controversy.
Maatrubhumi Galwan Teaser Controversy Put Salman Khan Film In Headlines
After the teaser release earlier this year, the film also became part of controversy when China’s Global Times criticised the project and accused the makers of distorting facts related to the Galwan Valley conflict.
Soon after that, India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it had no involvement with the film or its storytelling decisions.
That controversy increased curiosity around the movie even more. Many viewers started wondering how the makers would balance patriotism with emotional storytelling.
Still, insiders close to the film claim that Maatrubhumi focuses more on soldiers, families and human emotions rather than political messaging.
Salman Khan Performs Grand Song Sequence In Maatrubhumi
Another update grabbing attention is the massive dance number choreographed by Mudassar Khan for the film. According to him, over 200 dancers were involved in the shoot and Salman delivered what he called a “baap level performance”.
The choreographer revealed that the team spent nearly five days filming the sequence. Though details about the song are still hidden, fans believe it could become one of the biggest cinematic moments in the movie.
Social media users are especially excited because Salman has not done many large-scale dance performances recently due to his action-heavy roles.
Fans React Strongly To Maatrubhumi First Review
After Subhash Ghai’s review surfaced online, reactions quickly started flooding social media platforms. Many Salman Khan fans called the film his most promising project after Tiger 3 and Sikandar.
Some viewers also appreciated that the film appears to be more emotional and performance-driven instead of just depending on commercial action scenes.
A few reactions trending online included:
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“Finally Salman doing a serious emotional role again”
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“This looks bigger than a regular war film”
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“Ladakh visuals already look insane”
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“Subhash Ghai praising it means expectations are huge now”
The film is still in production and post-production stages, but the early buzz has clearly worked in its favour.
#SalmanKhan - Salman Khan’s Matrubhoomi is slowly creating strong emotional momentum among audiences, especially after the release of its new sad emotional version song “Main Hoon.” After watching and listening to the full video, one thing becomes absolutely clear this is not… pic.twitter.com/CmuAbXYBbx
— Ravi Chaudhary (@BURN4DESIRE1) May 28, 2026
Salman Khan Maatrubhumi Release Update After Delay
The film was earlier expected to release on April 17, 2026. However, according to reports from multiple entertainment portals including Hindustan Times and News18, post-production work, patch shoots and creative refinements reportedly delayed the film’s release.
Industry insiders claim Salman himself did not want to rush the film and preferred additional time to improve the final output.
At present, Maatrubhumi is expected to release later in 2026, though the makers have not yet officially confirmed the final release date.
With strong first reactions, controversy, emotional storytelling and Salman Khan’s physical transformation, the film has already become one of Bollywood’s biggest upcoming releases.
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Source(Image / Thumbnail): indianexpress.com
