No Republic Day or Independence Day release for Salman Khan's Maatrubhumi: Source

Actor Salman Khan's Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace is currently awaiting clearance from the censor board. However, India Today has learnt that once the film gets clearance, Khan is not eyeing a national holiday for its release. The development comes amid several reports suggesting that the makers are trying to obtain clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and are eyeing a January 26 release.An industry source told us that Khan is not interested in cashing in on the national holiday window at the box office, simply because he believes the film's content is so strong that it could generate patriotic fervour among audiences on any day.The source said, "Maatrubhumi could have chosen August 15 or January 26 to release the film, as those would have been ideal occasions. But Salman Khan strongly believes that patriotism is not something to be celebrated on just one particular day."This also means that the makers will not be targeting the August 15 release window either. This is a significant decision, given that the Independence Day window is considered a major opportunity to attract audiences to theatres. The source added that Khan feels, "Love for your country should be felt, expressed and celebrated every single day. For us, whichever day the film releases is a patriotic day. Just like you don't love your mother only on Mother's Day, you cannot limit your love for your nation to Independence Day or Republic Day. True love, whether for your mother or your motherland, goes beyond symbolic gestures. It is something you carry in your heart every single day." India Today has also learnt that the film is not intended to be a war saga. While the war remains in the backdrop, the larger idea is to highlight family bonds, the delicacy of relationships and the development of friendships.Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, based on the Battle of Galwan, is directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film features Chitrangada Singh opposite Salman Khan in the lead. It was earlier reported that the film's Indo-China content had drawn the censor board's attention, contributing to the delay.However, the makers are yet to confirm anything. Originally scheduled for release on April 17 this year, the film's final release date is yet to be announced.- Ends