Report: Salman Khan’s ‘Maatrubhumi’ to release in theatres, not directly on OTT; April 17 date postponed

Amid online buzz that Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi might bypass cinemas for a direct streaming debut, a new report indicates the team remains committed to a theatrical release. According to the report, a source said Khan has mounted the film on a grand scale with director Apoorva Lakhia, and both are committed to releasing it in theatres once issues surrounding the project are resolved.

The source is quoted as saying it is “a film for the big screen.” Addressing speculation that the film could avoid scrutiny by going straight to an OTT platform, an insider cited in the report said that is a misconception. The insider added that films premiering directly on streaming platforms also undergo a certification process and that the government must clear the film before it can be presented to the public.

Earlier reports said the Ministry of Defence had asked the makers to make a few changes and requested that China not be mentioned in the movie. Neither Khan nor Lakhia has commented publicly on the developments. Maatrubhumi was slated to release on April 17, 2026, but the film has been postponed and a new date has not been announced.

Separate reports have suggested the team might target a May window or the Independence Day weekend, though those timelines have not been confirmed.