Argus News - Salman Khan’s ‘Battle of Galwan’ Faces Chinese Backlash

Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: Salman Khan’s forthcoming war drama — ‘Battle of Galwan’ — has sparked intense controversy, particularly in China.

The film, inspired by the real-life confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, unveiled its first teaser in late 2025. The preview immediately triggered strong reactions across the border, with Chinese audiences and media outlets voicing sharp criticism and concern.

China's state-run newspaper Global Times has criticized the teaser, accusing the film of twisting events and exaggerating the facts surrounding the clash. According to the publication — the teaser does not align with what it describes as the accurate account of the border confrontation.

It further claims that Bollywood's emotionally charged portrayal cannot change the reality of the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

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The Chinese media also questioned several aspects of the film’s representation. Critics on social media outlets argue that the visuals and narrative choices, including costumes, hairstyles, and combat sequences, appear unrealistic and disconnected from the harsh condition of the actual event.

Some commenters went as far as calling certain scenes “over-the-top” and more suited to fictional drama than historical depiction.

At the heart of the dispute is how each side remembers the June 2020 clash in eastern Ladakh's high-altitude Galwan Valley. India officially lost 20 soldiers in the violent hand-to-hand combat in eastern Ladakh’s high-altitude Galwan Valley.

India officially lost 20 soldiers, and China lost 42 soldiers, according to reports of the violent hand-to-hand combat, and the event has since been a symbol of sacrifice.

In the film Salman portrays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, an Indian Army officer who lost his life in the battle.

Chinese media reports have challenged this portrayal, saying that it is exaggerated and aligned with a lopsided Indian perspective.

In response, Indian government sources have defended the film as a work of artistic expression. The film’s release is still months away — currently scheduled for April 17, 2026. Battle of Galwan has not only become a highly anticipated Bollywood project domestically but also internationally.

Compiled by: Aditi Majhi