Mumbai, India — April 16, 2026
Speculation surrounding Salman Khan’s upcoming film Maatrubhumi has intensified after multiple delays in its release schedule, with fresh rumors suggesting a direct OTT premiere. However, industry sources have now clarified that the film remains firmly on track for a theatrical release.
The highly anticipated project, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, has yet to receive a revised release date following repeated postponements. Earlier reports hinted that the film could align with an Independence Day release window, given its subject matter, but no official confirmation has been made.
Recent media reports claimed that Maatrubhumi might bypass cinemas entirely and debut on streaming platforms. These speculations gained traction amid discussions that certain elements in the film were being “sanitized,” including the removal of references related to China.
However, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama, a source close to the production has dismissed these claims as unfounded.
“Salman Khan continues to be one of the biggest superstars, and Maatrubhumi has been mounted on a grand scale. It is a big-screen film, and both Salman and director Apoorva Lakhia are committed to a theatrical release,” the source said.
The insider further added that the film will hit theaters once all pending issues are resolved, suggesting that the delay is temporary rather than strategic.
Meanwhile, another industry insider addressed a common misconception about OTT releases, emphasizing that films released directly on streaming platforms are not exempt from regulatory scrutiny.
“There is a perception that OTT platforms do not require censorship, but that is incorrect. Films released on OTT also undergo certification processes similar to theatrical releases before being made available to the public,” the insider explained.
The clarification comes at a time when the debate over OTT versus theatrical releases continues to shape distribution strategies in the Indian film industry.
For now, fans of Salman Khan can expect Maatrubhumi to arrive on the big screen—though the official release date remains awaited.
