Entertainment: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is once again preparing to explode on the big screen. The new release date of his much awaited film ‘Mathrubhoomi: May War Rest in Peace’ has been announced. This film, which has been waiting for release for a long time, will now hit the theaters on December 4, 2026. The special thing is that Shraddha Kapoor’s film ‘Itha’ is also going to be released on the same day. In such a situation, there will be a competition between two big films at the box office in the beginning of December.
Salman Khan’s films have their own separate audience. His previous record of 18 consecutive films joining the Rs 100 crore club is also in discussion. Now the question is whether ‘Mathrubhoomi’ will be able to take forward this achievement and become his 19th film or will Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Itha’ present a big challenge to him at the box office?
‘Mathrubhoomi’ will hit theaters on December 4
The release date of Salman Khan’s film ‘Mathrubhoomi: May War Rest in Peace’ has been changed several times before. There was curiosity among the audience about the film for a long time. Finally, in the promotional event of the film on 6 November, Salman Khan announced its release date as 4 December 2026.
The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia. In this, Chitrangada Singh will also be seen in an important role along with Salman Khan. The film is based on the backdrop of the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. Salman Khan is playing the role of Indian Army officer Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu.
Regarding the delay in the release of the film, Salman said that the team wanted to take extra time to improve the visual effects (VFX). Apart from this, the shooting and production process was also affected due to injury to Chitrangada Singh. Salman has also rejected the discussions of government pressure and changes in the story regarding the film.
There will be a direct competition with Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Itha’
Shraddha Kapoor’s film ‘Itha’ is also going to be released in theaters on 4th December. This film is being directed by Laxman Utekar, while it is produced by Dinesh Vijan. In the film, Shraddha Kapoor will be seen playing the role of Maharashtra’s famous folk artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar.
There is curiosity among the audience about ‘Itha’ also. Considering the popularity of Shraddha Kapoor and the success of her previous films, the film is expected to earn well. Especially after the huge success of ‘Stree 2’, Shraddha’s fans are excited to see her in a different character.
The story and audience of both the films are different. While ‘Mathrubhoomi’ is based on the backdrop of patriotism, army and war, ‘Ithaa’ brings the story of the life and struggle of a folk artist. In such a situation, both the films may get different audiences.
Record of 18 films of Salman Khan
Talking about Salman Khan’s box office records, according to trade reports, his 18 consecutive films from ‘Dabangg’ to ‘Sikander’ in 2010 have made a net collection of more than Rs 100 crore at the Indian box office. This list includes films like ‘Ready’, ‘Bodyguard’, ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Kick’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Sultan’, ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, ‘Bharat’ and ‘Tiger 3’.
These films performed well at the box office at different times. Especially films like ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Sultan’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ took Salman Khan’s popularity to new heights.
However, the performance of every film was not the same. Some films received mixed reviews from critics, but due to Salman’s star power they managed to cross the Rs 100 crore mark. Now ‘Mathrubhoomi’ will face the challenge of maintaining this record.
Will the 19th film also join the Rs 100 crore club?
There is already tremendous curiosity among the audience about Salman Khan’s films. Considering his huge fan following and popularity of action films, ‘Mathrubhoomi’ is also expected to earn well. But this time the film also faces some challenges.
The first challenge is the competition with Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Itha’ on the day of release. Due to the release of both the films on the same day, there may be division of screens and shows in theatres. In such a situation, both the films will have to perform better to reach their audience.
The second challenge is the subject of the film. ‘Mathrubhoomi’ is a war based film, in which the Galwan Valley incident will be shown. Patriotic and military-related films have been receiving support from Indian audiences, but big subjects and star cast alone do not ensure success at the box office. The story, direction, acting and audience reaction of the film will also play an important role.
The third challenge is the delay in the release of the film. Due to the date changing several times, the audience’s curiosity as well as expectations about the film have increased. Now it remains to be seen how well the film meets the expectations of the audience.
Who will have the upper hand at the box office?
Considering the star power of Salman Khan, ‘Mathrubhoomi’ can be considered to have the upper hand in the initial contest. The film is likely to get good support especially in single screen theaters and among Salman fans. Whereas Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Itha’ can benefit from multiplexes and audiences who like different types of stories.
The real decision on the earnings of films will be based on audience response and weekend collections after release. If ‘Mathrubhoomi’ gets a good start and the story is liked by the audience, then it may be possible for it to cross the Rs 100 crore mark.
At present
‘Eetha’ to clash with Salman Khan’s ‘Matrubhumi’; a major showdown awaits at the box office.
