Salman Khan’s ‘Maatrubhumi’ to Clash With Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Eetha’ at Box Office on December 4

Mumbai: Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace, earlier titled Battle of Galwan, is set to hit theatres on December 4, setting up a box-office clash with Shraddha Kapoor-starrer Eetha.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salman Khan under Salman Khan Films, Maatrubhumi is based on the 2020 India-China border clash in the Galwan Valley. The film draws inspiration from a chapter in Shiv Aroor’s book India’s Most Fearless and depicts the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers from the 16 Bihar Regiment.

Salman Khan portrays Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the commanding officer who led the Indian troops during the clash and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. Chitrangada Singh, Mukesh Rishi, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw and Abhilash Chaudhary also feature in significant roles.

The film’s release schedule underwent several changes. Initially planned for April, it was reportedly postponed due to the need for reshoots, with Independence Day also considered as a possible release window.

Meanwhile, Eetha, directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films and Kathputli Creations, is a biographical drama featuring Shraddha Kapoor as renowned Maharashtra folk artiste Vithabai Bhau Mang Narayangaonkar, known for her contribution to Tamasha and Lavani performances.

The film also stars Randeep Hooda, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Siddharth Jadhav, Ishtiyak Khan and Anant Joshi. Its title has reportedly drawn objections from members of Vithabai’s family and other groups, who have sought a change to better reflect the artiste’s identity.

The contrasting subjects of the two films have already sparked discussions about their box-office prospects. While Maatrubhumi explores military valour and sacrifice, Eetha celebrates Maharashtra’s folk traditions and the life of a celebrated artiste.

With both films scheduled for December 4, their box-office performance will be closely watched.