Chinese Media Criticises Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan, Film Body Says Reaction Was Expected

Post by : Saif Nasser

The teaser of Salman Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan has sparked criticism from sections of Chinese media, but leaders from India’s film industry say the response is neither shocking nor worrying.

The teaser was released on December 27 and shows Salman Khan in a powerful role inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Soon after its release, Chinese tabloid Global Times published comments from experts who claimed that Bollywood films are mainly made for entertainment and cannot change historical facts. The report also noted that many Chinese social media users had criticised the teaser.

Reacting to this, Ashoke Pandit, Chief Advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), said the criticism did not come as a surprise. According to him, any film that talks about the India-China confrontation at Galwan was bound to get a reaction from China.

Pandit explained that Indian filmmakers have every right to tell stories based on India’s experiences and history. He said that making a film on the Galwan clash is not wrong in any way and that such reactions will not affect the film’s release or box office performance. He added that the producers likely expected this response because the subject directly highlights a sensitive issue involving China.

He further said that films like Battle of Galwan aim to show India’s side of the story to the world. In his view, China has often created challenges for India and supported forces that work against Indian interests. Because of this, he believes it is important for Indian cinema to tell such stories openly. Pandit also stated that if the film connects with audiences and is well made, it will perform well regardless of criticism from outside India.

Battle of Galwan is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and is based on the book India’s Most Fearless 3. The film revisits the violent clash that took place in June 2020 in eastern Ladakh, where Indian and Chinese soldiers fought in extreme conditions using sticks and stones, as firearms were not allowed. The incident led to the death of Indian Army officer Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu and several soldiers.

Salman Khan is reported to be playing the role inspired by Colonel Santosh Babu, while Chitrangda Singh also stars in the film. The movie focuses on bravery, sacrifice, and the harsh reality faced by soldiers posted at high-altitude borders.

While opinions may differ across borders, the debate around Battle of Galwan has already drawn strong attention. For many in India’s film industry, the criticism from Chinese media only shows how sensitive and powerful the subject remains, even years after the real-life events took place.