Salman Khan takes on Chinese troops in ‘Maatrubhumi’ trailer

The trailer of Salman Khan-starrer “Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace” was released on Tuesday, offering a glimpse into the war drama inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film features Salman as an officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment.

The 4-minute-35-second trailer opens with snow-covered landscapes of Eastern Ladakh, introducing Salman as a soldier who leaves his wife, played by Chitrangada Singh, and young son to serve his country. In an emotional farewell, he tells his son that soldiers do not say goodbye but salute. He also reminds his family that while their son has his mother to protect him, the motherland has its sons guarding her.

The story unfolds as Indian troops discover Chinese forces setting up tents and a patrolling post across the border. Salman’s character initially attempts to resolve the situation through dialogue, telling his men that bravery is not always about fighting but also about preventing war.

However, tensions escalate when the opposing troops outnumber the Indian patrol and demand their retreat. Refusing to back down, he declares, “We are soldiers, we are made for days like these!” The confrontation eventually turns into a brutal hand-to-hand fight, accompanied by the dialogue, “Ek Bihari, sau pe bhaari.”

The trailer also questions the consequences of war, with Salman’s character suggesting that those who declare wars should fight alongside soldiers on the front lines.

It concludes with his message: “Humanity and patriotism are not about destroying the enemy, but about ending enmity”.

The trailer was previously screened at a media event in Mumbai on 6 November, where Salman clarified that the film was not intended to be anti-China.