The curious case of two 'anti-China films': Why did Maatrubhumi face hurdles while 4 Rivers 6 Ranges secured CBFC clearance?

Since the beginning of 2026, Bollywood Hungama has been informing readers about the developments surrounding the Salman Khan-starrer Battle Of Galwan, which was later renamed Maatrubhumi. As per reports, the film faced hurdles in obtaining the necessary government clearances due to its depiction of the 2020 conflict between India and China. With relations between the two countries improving in recent months, there were reportedly reservations about the film's content. Reports suggested that Salman Khan and director Apoorva Lakhia made substantial changes to the film, including reshooting portions of it and adding fictional elements, romantic scenes and backstory. It is said that even after making the changes, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting still had some reservations and after a lot of back and forth, the film was recently cleared by the government authorities.

Interestingly, while Maatrubhumi has encountered several hurdles over its depiction of China, a film that openly portrays China's actions in Tibet in a negative light managed to secure CBFC certification without any fight. Titled 4 Rivers 6 Ranges, the film tells the story of ordinary Tibetans who stood up against Chinese forces during the occupation of Tibet. It also depicts how a Tibetan resistance group helped protect and escort His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Indian border during his escape in 1959.

4 Rivers 6 Ranges was released in cinemas on September 18. Written, produced and directed by Shenpenn Khymsar, the film is partly based on 'Flight At The Cuckoo's Behest', a book by the film's producer, Dorjee Wangdi Dewatshang. According to an article in ThePrint, Dorjee's father was among those who helped the Dalai Lama during his escape from Tibet.

Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that 4 Rivers 6 Ranges was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on April 29, 2026, with a U/A 13+ certificate. What makes this development particularly interesting is that despite its politically sensitive subject, the film was cleared by the Examining Committee (EC) itself, without being referred to the Revising Committee. This is significant considering the film's portrayal of Chinese actions in Tibet and the reported hurdles faced by Maatrubhumi.

As per an article in Mid-Day by Mayank Shekhar, the Dalai Lama watched the last 30 minutes of the film, which depicts his escape to India on March 31, 1959. Shenpenn Khymsar told Mid-Day that he wanted to shoot the film in Mustang, Nepal. Fearing that he might not receive permission due to the politically sensitive subject, he submitted a dummy script to the Nepalese government titled The Himalayan Robin Hood! However, a few weeks later, the Nepalese authorities discovered the actual subject of the film. With the situation becoming increasingly difficult, Shenpenn completed the shoot in just 19 days. Interestingly, Shenpenn has also made a documentary on the making of 4 Rivers 6 Ranges, incidentally titled The Himalayan Robin Hood.

China's reaction to 4 Rivers 6 Ranges

According to ThePrint, Chinese state-controlled media published an article attacking the film and accusing its makers of promoting separatism. It stated, "Khymsar’s attempt to use his film as a platform for separatism is nothing more than an unfounded and ill-conceived narrative."

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's contribution

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has lent his voice as the film's narrator. Shenpenn Khymsar told ThePrint, "Nawaz knew I was making this film, and when I showed him the rough cuts later, he was blown away and said he had goosebumps."

Regarding Nawazuddin's decision to turn narrator, Shenpenn said, "Nawaz said, ‘Chal main karta hoon yaar, koi baat nahi,’ and he just knocked it off. I am forever grateful, and I want to repay him by making sure I direct him in one of the best films he’s ever done."

ThePrint further mentioned that Shenpenn is developing a film titled Karna: Running To Stand Still, which will star Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Contrary to recent reports, no CBFC relief yet for Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi