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Inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and loosely adapting chapters around the 16 Bihar Regiment, Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace (formerly titled Battle of Galwan) had every ingredient to deliver a raw and deeply respectful war cinema experience. The film has been waiting for a long time, and I feel it wasn’t for the best, because the trailer does not do anything that proves it was worth the wait!
Instead, the 4-minute 35-second trailer reveals a script that seems to be having a massive identity crisis. On one hand, the makers claim to focus on the human cost of war and preach universal peace across borders. On the other hand, the writing seems to be heavily restrained.
Watching a Bollywood superstar confront opposing troops on a frozen riverbank only to drop modern slang like Shezwan mein kuch kaala hai is completely a disgrace, to be honest! Rather than capturing the grim, silent valor of real soldiers fighting in sub-zero temperatures, the trailer plays out like a glossy, over-dramatized TV saga where subtlety goes to die.
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Salman Khan steps into the boots of a soldier who hails from Bihar, but his screen presence is burdened by a lack of authentic characterization. Instead of disappearing into the discipline of an Indian Army Commander, it feels like Salman Khan playing Salman Khan in uniform. His attempt to channel a Bihari war cry comes across as forced, while his anti-war monologues sound like speeches meant for anywhere else rather than a military bunker.
Chitrangda Singh provides a brief emotional anchor, but her sub-plot already feels like a textbook-checked role designed solely to check the family waiting back home box.
Director Apoorva Lakhia, who has previously helmed action flicks like Shootout at Lokhandwala, seems to struggle to find a balance with Maatrubhumi. The fight sequences lack sharp choreography; the loud background score lacks genuine tension.
The trailer for Maatrubhumi fails to spark genuine excitement or honor its heavy subject matter with the nuance it deserved. Two things are for sure – Watching Salman Khan play a Bihari will be a task, and this film will be a battle in itself!
Watch the trailer here.
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