Salman Khan’s film ‘Maatrubhumi’ gets government NOC:CBFC clearance awaited; changes made keeping India-China ties in mind

Salman Khan’s film ‘Maatrubhumi’ has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the government. The film is now awaiting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Several changes have been made to the film, which is based on the 2020 India-China confrontation. The government has ensured that the honour of neither country is hurt. According to reports, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (IB Ministry) has no objection to the new version of ‘Maatrubhumi’ submitted by the makers. The war drama has subsequently been granted an NOC. Following the NOC, the film may be released in cinemas towards the end of this year. The film’s official release date has not yet been announced. However, Salman Khan and his team are considering releasing it on 13 November. They believe the festive atmosphere after Diwali will be suitable for the film’s release. The film’s censor process has not yet been completed. The makers will soon submit the film to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). If the CBFC grants approval and the process is completed this month, Salman and his team may release the film on 13 November. CBFC certificate required after NOC The NOC and CBFC approval are separate processes. After receiving the NOC from the ministry, the film is sent to the CBFC. A film is considered fully ready for theatrical release only after receiving a certificate from the CBFC. According to reports, the film’s status will become completely clear within 10 days. Changes made to the original version The incident on which the film is based took place amid strained relations with China. However, in view of the improved relations with China, the government had raised objections to certain parts of the film. The government suggested that the makers make changes to those portions. Following this, ‘Maatrubhumi’ has been substantially altered compared with the original version. The film will now portray relations between India and China from a positive perspective. Find out in detail why Maatrubhumi has been repeatedly delayed and what the entire controversy is about. The film ‘Maatrubhumi’ has been embroiled in controversy for a long time. The film is based on the 2020 Galwan clash. It was initially titled ‘Battle of Galwan’. The trailer of ‘Battle of Galwan’ was released on 27 December, on the occasion of Salman Khan’s birthday. After the trailer was released, Salman Khan’s outfit and hairstyle were also criticised on Chinese social media platforms. Chinese experts said Bollywood films were made for entertainment, but could not alter history. The Chinese newspaper ‘Global Times,’ citing military expert Song Zhongping, reported that films were used in India to promote patriotic sentiment. However, according to him, no film could change the facts related to the Galwan clash. Song had claimed that Indian soldiers had crossed the border first and that Chinese soldiers had defended Chinese territory in response. Following criticism, the makers decided to reshoot some portions of the film. The reshoot continued for around 40 days so that certain parts of the story could be changed and made more effective. As a result, the film’s scheduled release date was pushed back. After objections were raised, the title was changed to Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. The changes to the film’s title and release were also linked to the sensitive geopolitical issue surrounding the Galwan clash. Some reports had said that the censor board had temporarily put on hold the granting of a certificate to the film ‘Maatrubhumi’. The production house issued an official statement saying that reports claiming the film’s CBFC certification process had been put on hold were completely false and baseless. Amid claims related to the certificate, Salman Khan Films issued a statement saying that the film has not yet been sent to the Central Board of Film Certification for certification. Therefore, people should not believe such reports. Salman Khan Films appealed to the media and the public not to circulate unverified information. All official updates related to the film will be shared only on its official platforms. Salman Khan will be seen in the lead role in the film. Alongside him, Chitrangada Singh, Ankur Bhatia, Abhilash Chaudhary and Jane Shaw, among several other actors, will be seen in ‘Maatrubhumi’. The film has been directed by Apoorva Lakhia. How does the CBFC work? The CBFC, or the censor board, has a maximum of 68 days to certify a film. The film application is examined first, which takes one week. The film is then sent to the examining committee, which has 15 days to review it. The examining committee sends the film to the censor board chairperson. The chairperson can take up to 10 days to examine the film. The censor board then informs the applicant of the required cuts and issues the certificate within 36 days.