As soon as the teaser of Salman Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan was released, it triggered an unexpected reaction from across the border. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the deadly 2020 clash between India(BHARAT)n and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley. While India(BHARAT)n audiences saw it as a tribute to bravery, China clearly didn’t take it lightly.
The Chinese state-backed newspaper Global Times reacted sharply, calling the film “exaggerated” and accusing Bollywood of presenting a distorted version of events. The criticism came quickly, almost as if the teaser itself had hit a nerve. What makes this reaction interesting is that the same country has, for years, showered massive love and money on Hindi films.
Why is China uncomfortable with the Battle of Galwan?
The film shows the courage of Colonel B. Santosh Babu and his men from the 16 Bihar Regiment, who fought Chinese troops during the 2020 clash without firing a single bullet. The incident left 20 India(BHARAT)n soldiers martyred, while China never officially revealed its casualty numbers. This uncomfortable truth is perhaps what has made the Chinese media restless.
Yet, while calling the film “fictional” and mocking Bollywood storytelling, China seems to have forgotten one major fact — India(BHARAT)n films have ruled its box office for years.
When Bollywood ruled Chinese screens
In the last decade alone, Hindi films have earned a massive Rs 3498 crore in China. These numbers clearly show the deep connection Chinese audiences have with India(BHARAT)n storytelling, emotions, and stars.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 highest-grossing Hindi films in China:
-
Dangal – Rs 1305.29 crore (Worldwide: Rs 20270.30 crore) – Release: 5 May 2017
-
Secret Superstar – Rs 757.10 crore (Worldwide: Rs 912.75 crore) – 19 January 2018
-
Andhadhun – Rs 333.62 crore (Worldwide: Rs 442.72 crore) – 3 April 2019
-
Bajrangi Bhaijaan – Rs 295.76 crore (Worldwide: Rs 921.93 crore) – 2 March 2018
-
Hindi Medium – Rs 219.17 crore (Worldwide: Rs 334.06 crore) – 7 April 2018
-
Hichki – Rs 156.66 crore (Worldwide: Rs 236.48 crore) – 12 October 2018
-
PK – Rs 128.58 crore (Worldwide: Rs 792.00 crore) – 22 May 2015
-
Mom – Rs 110.04 crore (Worldwide: Rs 175.04 crore) – 10 May 2019
-
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha – Rs 100.39 crore (Worldwide: Rs 316.97 crore) – 8 June 2018
-
Maharaja – Rs 91.65 crore (Worldwide: Rs 199.20 crore) – 29 November 2024
The irony China can’t ignore
What makes the situation even more ironic is that China takes nearly 50 per cent of the earnings from foreign films released there as tax. That means from these 10 Bollywood films alone, the Chinese government earned close to Rs 1700 crore.
So while Global Times may mock the Battle of Galwan, the numbers tell a different story. Bollywood has not just entertained Chinese audiences — it has also filled Chinese coffers.
With Battle of Galwan set to release on April 17, 2026, one thing is clear: if a teaser can cause this much noise, the full film might just keep China awake for a long time.
