The teaser of Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan was released recently on the actor’s birthday. While his fans were elated to catch a glimpse of him, the film has been criticised by the Chinese media.
The film draws from a chapter of India’s Most Fearless 3 by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh, a bestselling book chronicling extraordinary stories of courage within the Indian armed forces. It is based on the real-life confrontation between Indian and Chinese soldiers along the Line of Actual Control resulted in the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers and significant casualties on the Chinese side.
As per the Chinese tabloid Global Times, experts claimed that Bollywood films cannot rewrite history. It quoted a Chinese military expert as saying that Indian troops crossed the border first, while the PLA defended Chinese territory. “Chinese troops perform their duties under extremely challenging mountainous conditions, facing threats without hesitation, which strengthens public confidence and has a lasting impact on society,” he said.
Chinese netizens have also reportedly criticised the trailer and called it ‘completely different from actual facts.’ Another Chinese netizen reportedly wrote, “When history falls short, Bollywood steps in.”
Meanwhile, reacting to this, Ashoke Pandit, Chief Advisor, Federation of Western India Cine Employees told Hindustan Times that the reaction from Chinese experts has not surprised him. He stated, “We are not surprised or shocked that the media in China has responded to Galwan film in such a way. If a filmmaker or production house decides to give depiction of confrontation of India and China, there is nothing wrong with it. I don’t think isse iski release par koi asar padega as far as release or collection is concerned.”
He continued, “It must have been in the minds of the producers that because it is Galwan, China would react because it is a film that is exposing them. We have the right to make a film like this on the subject and tell the world that this is what China has done to our country. China is a country that has supported Pakistan, has created a lot of issues and problems for our country. It’s a great thing that this film is made. If the film is good, it will do well.”
Battle of Galwan has been directed by Apoorva Lakhia and is slated for a 2026 theatrical release.
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