Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 12: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has alleged that political pressure influenced the making of Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, formerly titled Battle of Galwan, claiming that portions of the film were reshot because the government did not want China to be portrayed negatively.
A video of Rathee discussing the film during a press conference in New Delhi on October 11 has gone viral on social media, triggering reactions from viewers and Salman Khan’s fans.
Speaking at the press conference, Rathee alleged that the government was reluctant to allow the film to be released in its original form because it contained references critical of China. He claimed that the filmmakers were asked to reshoot portions and present China in a more favourable light.
“Ek film aa rahi thi Salman Khan ki, jismein China ke khilaaf kuch cheezein thi. Aur sarkaar ki itni himmat nahi ho rahi ki us film ko release hone de,” Rathee said, alleging that the government lacked the resolve to allow the film to be released as originally intended.
He further claimed that the filmmakers were instructed to make the film more favourable towards China, saying they were told that the country could not be portrayed too negatively. These claims have been made by Rathee and have not been independently established.
Rathee also accused the government of being apprehensive about China, the United States and Elon Musk. Contrasting his position with that of the government, he said he expressed his views openly on YouTube and was not associated with any political organisation.
His remarks sparked debate on X, with some users supporting his allegations and others sharing their views on the reported changes to the film. One user questioned why China could not be mentioned despite the deaths of Indian soldiers in the Galwan clash, while another suggested that the reported changes were responsible for Salman Khan losing interest in the project.
The film, starring Salman Khan, was initially announced as Battle of Galwan and is based on the June 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.
The revised version, now titled Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, has reportedly received a no-objection certificate from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, clearing one of the hurdles ahead of its release.
According to media reports, the film received the ministry’s clearance in September. The makers are expected to submit it to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for certification. November 13 has reportedly been considered as a possible release date, although the final schedule remains subject to further approvals.
Rathee’s remarks came amid attention surrounding his recent detention by Delhi Police. He was taken into custody from his residence in Gurugram on Saturday, October 10, ahead of his expected participation in the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ protest in Delhi. According to Gurugram Police sources, he was released around 3 am on Sunday, October 11.
Rathee addressed his first press conference in New Delhi on Sunday evening after meeting Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal. Referring to his apprehension by police, he described the incident as an “abduction” rather than a legal detention.