Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan: China Controversy Explained
The announcement and teaser of Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama, Battle of Galwan, have triggered a significant diplomatic and social media standoff between India and China. While the film is intended as a patriotic tribute to Indian soldiers, it has been met with fierce criticism from Chinese state media and netizens, who accuse the production of "distorting history."
"Antagonistic Sentiment": Chinese officials have expressed concern that the film’s release comes at a time when border tensions had finally begun to show signs of easing, accusing Bollywood of stoking "antagonistic sentiment" for profit.
3. The Indian Response
In India, the response has been a mix of patriotic fervor and a defense of artistic freedom.
Artistic Expression: Indian government sources have responded to the controversy by stating that cinema is a form of artistic expression and that India does not restrict such creativity. They noted that India has a long tradition of making films based on border conflicts, such as Haqeeqat (1964) and the recent 120 Bahadur.
Support from the Industry: Members of the Indian film fraternity, including producer Ashoke Pandit, have defended the film, suggesting that China’s reaction stems from "insecurity" regarding the global portrayal of the 2020 events.16
Teaser Success: Despite the controversy (or perhaps because of it), the teaser garnered over 60 million views within days, signaling massive domestic interest.
Key Details of the Film
The controversy highlights how cinema can become a soft-power battlefield, where the "truth" of a historical event is contested through the lens of national pride and cinematic storytelling.
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is scheduled for release on April 17, 2026.
1. Galwan Valley, The Source of the Conflict
The movie is based on the real-life military clash in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020.This was a brutal, hand-to-hand skirmish between the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh.
India Says: The film portrays the bravery of Colonel B. Santosh Babu (played by Salman Khan) and 19 other soldiers who died defending Indian territory.
Chinese Narrative: Beijing maintains that Indian troops crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) first and that the PLA acted in self-defense.
Fact-Checking the Fiction: Chinese experts quoted in state media claim the film "contradicts facts" and uses "over-the-top drama" to rewrite history.
Criticism of Realism: Chinese netizens on platforms like Weibo have mocked the teaser for what they call "unrealistic" elements.
India Says: The film portrays the bravery of Colonel B. Santosh Babu (played by Salman Khan) and 19 other soldiers who died defending Indian territory.
Chinese Narrative: Beijing maintains that Indian troops crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) first and that the PLA acted in self-defense.
2. Chinese Backlash: "Propaganda and Distortion"
Shortly after the teaser was released on December 27, 2025 (coinciding with Salman Khan’s 60th birthday), the Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times published a scathing critique. The primary points of contention include:Fact-Checking the Fiction: Chinese experts quoted in state media claim the film "contradicts facts" and uses "over-the-top drama" to rewrite history.
Criticism of Realism: Chinese netizens on platforms like Weibo have mocked the teaser for what they call "unrealistic" elements.
"Antagonistic Sentiment": Chinese officials have expressed concern that the film’s release comes at a time when border tensions had finally begun to show signs of easing, accusing Bollywood of stoking "antagonistic sentiment" for profit.
3. The Indian Response
In India, the response has been a mix of patriotic fervor and a defense of artistic freedom.
Artistic Expression: Indian government sources have responded to the controversy by stating that cinema is a form of artistic expression and that India does not restrict such creativity. They noted that India has a long tradition of making films based on border conflicts, such as Haqeeqat (1964) and the recent 120 Bahadur.
Support from the Industry: Members of the Indian film fraternity, including producer Ashoke Pandit, have defended the film, suggesting that China’s reaction stems from "insecurity" regarding the global portrayal of the 2020 events.16
Teaser Success: Despite the controversy (or perhaps because of it), the teaser garnered over 60 million views within days, signaling massive domestic interest.
Key Details of the Film
- Release Date April 17, 2026
- Director Apoorva Lakhia
- Lead Role Salman Khan (as Col. B. Santosh Babu)
- Supporting Cast Chitrangda Singh, Abhilash Chaudhary, Ankur Bhatia
- Historical Context The June 2020 Galwan Valley clash
The controversy highlights how cinema can become a soft-power battlefield, where the "truth" of a historical event is contested through the lens of national pride and cinematic storytelling.
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