Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has drawn a comparison between Lord Ram and his character in the upcoming war drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. Speaking at the film’s trailer launch, the actor said the qualities associated with Lord Ram are also reflected in the protagonist he portrays, shifting attention away from comparisons between two major cinematic projects.
Salman’s comments came amid growing discussion surrounding Ramayana, the ambitious mythological adaptation directed by Nitesh Tiwari and featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram. Asked whether the excitement around Ramayana could affect his own film, Salman highlighted the similarities between the values embodied by Lord Ram and those represented by his character.
Salman Khan Says His Character Shares Lord Ram’s Qualities
Explaining the comparison, Salman described Lord Ram as an ideal husband, son, father, brother and warrior. He said his character in Maatrubhumi possesses similar qualities.
Rather than treating the two films as competitors, the actor emphasised the importance of understanding the characters and the values they represent. His response placed the focus on the nature of the protagonist in his upcoming film rather than the scale or popularity of another production.
Salman plays an army officer inspired by Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who commanded the 16 Bihar Regiment during the India-China clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Colonel Santosh Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery.
The film draws on events surrounding the confrontation and explores themes of military leadership, courage, sacrifice and the human cost of war.
Salman Urges Audiences to Focus on ‘Ramayana’s’ Story
Salman also shared his views on the widespread discussion surrounding Ramayana, particularly the attention being paid to its reported budget of Rs 4,000 crore and its visual effects.
The actor argued that conversations about the epic should centre on its story, characters and underlying teachings rather than production expenditure and technical spectacle.
He specifically pointed to Lord Ram, Sita and Ravana as the central figures deserving attention, suggesting that the narrative and the values drawn from the original scriptures should remain at the heart of the discussion.
The remarks come as Ramayana attracts considerable attention for its scale, casting and visual presentation. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana.
While the production’s reported budget and visual effects have become major talking points, Salman believes that the substance of the epic deserves equal, if not greater, consideration.
‘Maatrubhumi’ Release Date Confirmed
At the trailer launch, Salman also confirmed the revised theatrical release date for Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 4, 2026, following delays linked to the production process and visual-effects work.
The actor indicated that the makers wanted the film’s visual presentation to meet their expectations, which contributed to the extended timeline.
The project has undergone changes to its release schedule, with additional work required before it could be brought to theatres. The film is expected to present a story centred on the bravery of Indian soldiers and the consequences of armed conflict.
Salman’s comments have placed the spotlight on the themes connecting the two films: character, duty, courage and sacrifice. While Ramayana draws from a revered mythological epic and Maatrubhumi is rooted in a modern military conflict, the actor’s comparison highlights the values he believes their central characters share.
As both films generate public interest, Salman has made clear that he would prefer audiences to look beyond budgets, visual effects and box-office competition and engage with the stories and characters themselves.
