The defence journalists say the film has evolved beyond the account of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash featured in their book series India’s Most Fearless.
Defence journalists Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh have ended their formal association with Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi, formerly titled Battle of Galwan, saying the project has moved beyond the account that initially brought them on board.
In a joint statement issued on November 5, 2026, the co-authors of the India’s Most Fearless book series confirmed that their involvement with the film had come to an end as its narrative evolved beyond their account of the Galwan Valley clash.
The journalists expressed gratitude to lead actor Salman Khan, director Apoorva Lakhia and the wider production team for the opportunity to be associated with the project. They also wished the filmmakers success as they bring their vision to the screen.
Film’s Origins in the Galwan Valley Clash
The project originated from a chapter in India’s Most Fearless 3, published in 2022, which documented the June 2020 confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley.
Director Apoorva Lakhia acquired the rights to the chapter in 2023. Shiv Aroor was also credited for the film’s story alongside Suresh Nair.
The film centres on the deadly hand-to-hand confrontation in which Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu and 19 other Indian soldiers lost their lives. Salman Khan portrays the Indian Army officer in the film.
The change in the journalists’ association comes as the production moves towards its next promotional phase.
Trailer and Release Plans
According to Bollywood Hungama, the film’s trailer, running approximately four minutes and 43 seconds, received a U/A 16+ certificate from India’s Central Board of Film Certification on November 4. The trailer was expected to be unveiled on November 6.
The film’s theatrical release date had not been officially confirmed in the report, although November 20 and December 11 were cited as dates reportedly under consideration.
Despite the end of Aroor and Singh’s formal association, the journalists conveyed their best wishes to the cast and crew.
The development adds a new chapter to the build-up surrounding Maatrubhumi, a film inspired by one of the most consequential military confrontations between India and China in recent years.
