The upcoming Bollywood film 'Battle of Galwan', starring Salman Khan and based on the deadly 2020 border clash between Indian and Chinese troops, has sparked a fresh controversy following its teaser release. The Indian government has responded by emphasizing the nation's tradition of cinematic artistic expression.
Teaser Release and Government Stance
A 1.12-minute teaser for the big-budget drama was unveiled on Saturday, December 28, 2025, coinciding with Salman Khan's 60th birthday. The short clip, featuring the actor as late Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu and the song 'Mera Bharat Desh Mahaan Hai', quickly amassed over 60 million views across social media platforms.
In reaction to the ensuing debate, Indian government sources stated on Tuesday, December 31, that "cinemas are an artistic expression and India does not restrict it." They cited historical precedents, including the 1964 film 'Haqeeqat' on the 1962 war and the recent '120 Bahadur' on the Battle of Rezang La, to underscore India's long-standing tradition of cinematic portrayal of historical events.
Chinese Media Criticism and Film Details
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, has drawn expected criticism from China's state-run Global Times. The Chinese publication labeled the movie as "propaganda" and a "cinematic exaggeration" that "distorted facts." It quoted a Chinese expert claiming that no amount of Bollywood dramatization could rewrite history or shake the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) resolve.
The Global Times article also pointed to online critiques about the teaser's details, such as the appearance of extras, actors' hairstyles, and the portrayal of events, which it claims do not align with facts.
'Battle of Galwan' portrays the June 15, 2020, clash in the Galwan Valley, eastern Ladakh, where 20 Indian Army personnel, including Colonel Santosh Babu, were killed in action. Colonel Babu was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest wartime gallantry award. China officially acknowledged losing five soldiers, though independent assessments suggest a higher toll.
Production and Broader Context
The film is produced by Salman Khan and his mother, Salma Khan, and is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026. The military standoff in eastern Ladakh, which began in May 2020, severely strained India-China relations, with the Galwan Valley incident marking its most violent episode.
The controversy highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the border issue. While Chinese media seeks to discredit the film's narrative, the Indian government's statement firmly places it within the realm of protected artistic freedom, setting the stage for further discourse as the release date approaches.
