Salman Khan’s war drama Maatrubhumi is expected to shift to a 2027 theatrical release. According to unconfirmed reports circulating within the Indian film industry, extensive reshoots and complex post-production demands have continuously pushed the highly anticipated project out of its original 2026 window.
Salman Khan Films recently issued a firm statement denying widespread rumors that the Central Board of Film Certification had stalled the movie. The expected delay means the superstar is now positioned to dominate the box office next year with two major theatrical releases, drastically altering his upcoming production schedule.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film was originally titled Battle of Galwan and centers on the deadly 2020 border clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Following the release of its early teaser, the project faced severe geopolitical backlash. Chinese state-run media, including the Global Times, aggressively criticized the film’s initial portrayal of historical events. That immediate international reaction served as the direct catalyst for a public studio denial regarding censorship holdups and the subsequent script alterations.
To bypass further international controversy and ensure a smooth release, the production team sanitized the narrative by removing direct references to China. This strategic shift forced a complete rebrand, abandoning the original title and causing indefinite delays from its previously planned April 2026 premiere.
The ripple effect of the Maatrubhumi delay sets up a high-stakes 2027 for Khan. He is currently gearing up to shoot a pan-India action thriller directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju. That unnamed Paidipally project has officially locked in an Eid 2027 release window.
Eid releases have historically been Khan’s most lucrative theatrical real estate, yielding record-breaking hits like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, and Ek Tha Tiger. With the unexpected scheduling shuffle, he will now mount two highly distinct theatrical campaigns in a single calendar year.