Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace has been stuck in limbo for quite some time now. Originally slated for an April 17 release, the film is yet to see the light of day. Interestingly, it appears that several films centred around the Indo-China conflict have met a similar fate.According to a report by Mid-day, actor Bhagyashree’s husband and producer Himalay Dassani had also planned a film titled The Lion of Galwan with his son, actor Abhimanyu Dassani. The film was based on Vir Chakra awardee Sepoy Gurtej Singh, who was martyred during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. However, the project has now been shelved indefinitely.‘There cannot be China bashing’Speaking to the publication, Himalay said, “The India-China relationship is much better today. So, we will have to revisit the story idea. After we complete the script, we will have to submit it to the Ministry of Defence of India before we begin shooting. Also, we have received a directive from them that there cannot be China-bashing. So, we need to revisit that angle.”He further added, “If we are not going to get clearance from the Defence Ministry, there will be no point in telling the story of the Galwan battle as we can’t show the correct angle. If the fight and the reasons behind the clash are non-existent, what is the use of making a movie on it? So, we have kept it on the backburner.”Is Salman Khan reshooting Maatrubhumi?Amid the uncertainty surrounding Maatrubhumi, reports have suggested that portions of the film are being reshot. Salman had first teased the project around his birthday last December, announcing an April 17 release date. The teaser featured the actor playing a soldier leading the military standoff in eastern Ladakh during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian Army personnel lost their lives, severely straining India-China ties.Soon, the teaser drew criticism from China’s Global Times, which accused the makers of distorting facts. In January, India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it had “no role” in such cinematic ventures.Battle of Galwan was retitled as Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In PeaceOn March 16, Battle of Galwan was officially retitled Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. Reports now claim the film is eyeing an August 14 release. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film sees Salman essaying the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who sacrificed his life along with 19 soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment during the clash.Story continues below this adA source close to the development told SCREEN, “Since the mention of the Battle of Galwan has ruffled many feathers, the aim is now to avoid any more such controversy. So, there’s no direct mention of China. It’s like how Pakistan was referred to as ‘padosi mulk’ back when relations between the two neighbouring nations were improving. Unlike Dhurandhar, which openly tackled Pakistan, Salman’s film can’t afford that because China isn’t viewed the same way diplomatically.”Multiple roadblocks for MaatrubhumiThe source also revealed that the film is still far from receiving certification from the CBFC. “It’s a long road ahead, but the team is determined to bring the film to theatres instead of opting for an OTT release. In any case, even films releasing on OTT platforms require CBFC certification. So, the makers are sticking to the theatrical plan.”ALSO READ | Vashu Bhagnani slams David Dhawan over Rs 27 cr loss on Coolie No 1: ‘Paid him 70 cr, not his worth’Given the geopolitical sensitivity of the subject, the makers will also need approvals from the Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence before applying for certification.Story continues below this ad‘Maatrubhumi ki maa ki aankh’: Salman KhanMeanwhile, Salman recently grabbed headlines after losing his cool at paparazzi outside a hospital, where he had gone to visit a friend. Irritated by repeated questions about his film, the actor later shared multiple Instagram posts criticising the media’s behaviour.He wrote, “If I see any press at a hospital enjoying my pain. The press that I have stood for, interacted with, taken care of, made sure that they also earn their bread and butter. But if they wanna make money from my losses… keep quiet, don’t enjoy. Bhai bhai bhai, matrabhumi picture ki maa ki aankh, pic imp hai ya life.”When Salman Khan shared the challenges of shooting MaatrubhumiEarlier, while speaking to PTI, Salman had opened up about the physical challenges of shooting the film. “Of course, it is physically demanding in every year, month, day and hour. I have to give a lot more time now. Earlier, I used to finish all this in a week or two. Now, it takes more time. I have been running, working out, kicking and punching. In this film, all these things are required. For Sikandar, the action and character were different. But for Galwan, everything is different,” he said.The actor also spoke about the demanding Ladakh schedule. “Shooting in Ladakh, at high altitude, is extremely difficult. It can’t be like ‘action karte karte behosh ho gaya’ (I can’t blackout while performing). For it, I have to take proper training. We have to shoot in freezing cold water there. When I signed the film, it felt amazing, but it is a very difficult film to do. Out of the 20-day Ladakh schedule, I have to shoot for at least eight days in that icy water.”Story continues below this adDisclaimer: The historical events and military casualties referenced in this article are factual matters of public record related to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The creative expressions, titles, and colloquial statements attributed to individuals in this report represent personal perspectives and cinematic dramatizations, and should not be interpreted as definitive geopolitical or official administrative commentary.