Salman Khan has finally locked the theatrical release date for his much-delayed war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. At the film’s trailer launch, the actor drew parallels between his character and Lord Rama. He also looked back at his ambitious Ramayana project with brother Sohail Khan, revealing why the film was shelved nearly two decades ago.
The Apoorva Lakhia directorial, which faced delays, is finally heading to theatres. Salman announced at the film’s trailer launch that Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace will release nationwide on December 4.
Salman Khan finds Lord Rama’s qualities in his Maatrubhumi character
The actor was asked about the connection between his film’s release and the Ramayana-related projects. Responding to the question, Salman explained that his character embodies several qualities traditionally associated with Lord Rama.
“See, what all qualities did Ram ji have? Best husband, best son, best father, best warrior, best brother. These all were the qualities, and this character (his character in Maatrubhumi) possesses the same qualities,” he said.
Salman also shared that he was familiar with the iconic television adaptation of the epic. “Ramanand Sagar Sir’s Ramayana, I have watched,” he said.
Why Salman and Sohail Khan abandoned their Ramayana film
The conversation also brought back memories of a film Salman and Sohail had planned nearly 20 years ago. The brothers were reportedly set to bring Ramayana to the big screen, but the project was dropped following an unexpected media reaction to their announcement.
Remembering the episode, Salman explained how a newspaper report and an accompanying photograph changed their plans.
“20 years ago, we were supposed to do Ramayana and then the previous generation of the press, they captured me and my brother exiting from a place at late night after announcing the film. But your press placed two crowns on our heads (tilted head gesture) and it was written, ‘He’s our Ram, and he’s our Laxman.’ So, we shelved our film right there.”
His revelation offered a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of the Khan brothers’ film plans, while his latest comments have drawn an interesting connection between his upcoming war drama and the qualities of Lord Rama.
