The teaser for Salman Khan's upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan, based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers, has stirred controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Chinese media outlets. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Khan as an Indian Army officer, is accused of distorting facts and promoting a one-sided Indian narrative.
The state-run newspaper Global Times published an article denouncing the film for its "inappropriate" theme and timing. According to the Global Times, Lan Jianxue, director of the Department of Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, stated that the film "presents only a one-sided Indian narrative and stokes antagonistic sentiment, at a time when China-India relations have only recently shown hard-won signs of easing".
Chinese netizens have also expressed their disapproval, with some calling the movie "over-the-top" and contradictory to the facts. One Weibo user commented, "When history falls short, Bollywood steps in". The Global Times quoted a Chinese military expert, Song Zhongping, who stated that India's use of cinema to "stir nationalistic sentiment" is not surprising and reflects "a deeply rooted cultural and political tradition".
The Global Times article also downplayed the role of Indian Army Officer Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, whom Salman Khan portrays, referring to it as a "so-called pivotal role". Furthermore, the publication blamed India for the 2020 clash, alleging that Indian forces violated the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and "deliberately provocating" the situation in the Galwan Valley. These actions, the article claimed, "undermined the stability of border areas and threatened lives of Chinese personnel".
The article further accused India of exaggerating casualty figures, distorting facts, and attempting to mislead the international community and smear the Chinese military, quoting then-Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang. While India officially acknowledged the loss of around 20 soldiers in the conflict, China initially denied any losses before later admitting to four casualties.
The film's release date of April 17, 2026, is also under scrutiny, with some Chinese observers suggesting the timing is intended to fuel nationalistic sentiment. Despite the criticism, Battle of Galwan remains one of Bollywood's biggest releases, with supporters arguing that it honors the sacrifice of Indian soldiers and tells a story of courage from the 2020 conflict.
The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Galwan Valley clash and the differing narratives between India and China. While the film aims to depict the Indian perspective on the events, it has been met with strong opposition from Chinese media and citizens who believe it distorts the truth and exacerbates tensions between the two countries.
