Amidst the buzz surrounding the teaser release of Salman Khan's upcoming film, "Battle of Galwan," political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla has stepped forward to defend the actor against online criticism. The controversy stems from a brief smile observed on Khan's face in the teaser, which triggered mockery from a segment of social media users.

Poonawalla, a former Bigg Boss contestant, argued that the smile was misinterpreted and that critics were "missing the point". He took to social media platform X to express his views, stating that the expression was not casual or misplaced but instead reflected "composure" and "calm aggression". According to Poonawalla, the smile embodies the mindset of a soldier who understands the gravity of the situation and refuses to panic when facing the enemy. He further elaborated that it represents controlled intensity, highlighting the courage and resolve of a soldier battling for his nation.

"Those trolling Salman for that slight smile in the #BattleOfGalwan teaser are missing the point," Poonawalla wrote on X. "That isn't casual - it's composure. It's calm aggression. It's the look of a soldier who understands what he's walking into and refused to panic when the enemy is right in front of him". He emphasized that a soldier's ultimate goal is either to protect the nation or sacrifice himself for it, with both outcomes representing victory.

The film "Battle of Galwan," directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is reportedly inspired by the real-life clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in 2020. The teaser, unveiled on Salman Khan's 60th birthday, presents him as a disciplined Indian Army officer. The movie also stars Chitrangada Singh in the lead role, along with Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, Abhilash Chaudhary, Vipin Bhardwaj, and Heera Sohal. "Battle of Galwan" is slated to release on April 17, 2026.

While some viewers found the teaser lacking in engaging elements, the film is anticipated to be a patriotic venture for Salman Khan. The release date avoids a clash with other major Bollywood releases, potentially maximizing its reach across different regions of India. Poonawalla's defense adds another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding the film and Salman Khan's portrayal of a soldier in the "Battle of Galwan.".