Salman Khan’s much-awaited film Battle of Galwan hasn’t even reached theatres yet, but it has already found itself at the centre of a heated debate. The film, inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between India(BHARAT)n and Chinese troops, is facing strong reactions, especially from across the border, where Chinese audiences and commentators have taken issue with its portrayal of events.
In the film, Salman Khan plays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, a key figure associated with the Galwan clash. According to India(BHARAT)n media reports, the actor is seen leading his men into battle, delivering a powerful speech before facing the enemy. The teaser shows intense visuals, with Salman’s character walking forward with determination as his soldiers follow, setting the tone for a high-voltage war drama.
However, even before its release, the film has drawn criticism from Chinese commentators. As reported by Global Times, a Chinese expert claimed that Bollywood films often rely on emotional storytelling and dramatic exaggeration. He added that no cinematic portrayal can change historical facts or challenge what he described as the People’s Liberation Army’s firm stance on protecting national sovereignty.
Why is the film being questioned?
Soon after the teaser dropped, social media platforms were flooded with comparisons. Several users pointed out that one of the action sequences looked similar to a scene from Game of Thrones, raising questions about originality. Others criticised the styling of the soldiers, pointing out that certain uniforms, hairstyles, and physical details did not align with the harsh weather conditions of the Galwan region.
Beyond technical details, the biggest debate revolves around the film’s narrative. Critics argue that the storyline does not accurately reflect the real events of June 15, 2020. Some Chinese social media users went a step further, mocking the film’s tone and calling it an exaggerated retelling of history. One user wrote that when facts fall short, “cinema is used to fill the gap,” while another dismissed the film as pure propaganda.
What are India(BHARAT)n media reports saying?
India(BHARAT)n outlets, including India(BHARAT) Today, have reported that the film depicts India(BHARAT)n soldiers standing their ground against a much larger opposing force. According to these reports, nearly 200 India(BHARAT)n soldiers were shown confronting around 1,200 Chinese troops during the standoff.
Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping also weighed in, stating that India(BHARAT) has often used popular cinema to fuel patriotic sentiment, calling it a long-standing cultural and political pattern.
Despite the criticism, Battle of Galwan continues to generate massive curiosity. Whether it will be seen as a bold patriotic film or a controversial retelling of history remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the film has already ensured all eyes are on it, even before its release.
