Our Bureau
Mumbai
Legendary filmmaker Subhash Ghai has given a glowing first review to Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Maatrubhumi, calling it a “must-watch film” after viewing its rough cut. The film, which portrays the strong emotions of Indo-China soldiers for their country and family, has received early acclaim ahead of its theatrical release.
In a note posted on X, Ghai praised the movie’s emotional depth and patriotic storytelling. He said the film is based on a warm story of Indo-China soldiers and their respective emotions for their nations and families. Ghai’s endorsement carries significant weight in Bollywood, especially coming from a veteran director who has guided countless iconic films over decades.
Maatrubhumi centers on soldiers from India and China caught in the aftermath of border conflicts, humanizing both sides while highlighting their shared love for their countries and families. The narrative avoids taking a purely anti-China stance, with reports indicating that the script underwent extensive reshoots and tonal adjustments following earlier controversies. The film’s title was also changed partway through production, reflecting the evolving nature of its message.
The movie’s full title is now Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace, signaling its thematic focus on peace over conflict. A special screening held in Mumbai recently drew praise from industry insiders, with Ghai attending and publicly commending Khan’s performance and the film’s emotional resonance.
Salman Khan, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, has taken on the challenging role of a soldier torn between duty and personal sacrifice. His portrayal has been described as powerful and authentic, capturing the inner turmoil of someone serving their nation while longing for family.
With Ghai’s thumbs-up and strong early reviews, Maatrubhumi is generating significant buzz among audiences and critics alike. The film is expected to be a major release on the big screen, offering both action and heartfelt drama in equal measure.
