The teaser for the upcoming Bollywood film 'Battle of Galwan', starring Salman Khan, has taken the internet by storm, amassing millions of views within days and simultaneously drawing sharp criticism from a prominent Chinese state media outlet.
Teaser Goes Viral, Sparks International Commentary
The 1 minute 12 second preview, released recently, has crossed a staggering 20 million views in just three days. The film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh. The massive online traction has now prompted a response from Global Times, a media outlet considered a mouthpiece for the Chinese Communist Party that targets an international audience.
Film's Portrayal and China's Sharp Rebuttal
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the movie features Salman Khan in the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest wartime gallantry award. He was among the 20 Indian soldiers who lost their lives defending Indian territory. The clash also resulted in casualties on the Chinese side, though the number remains unspecified officially.
The Global Times article claimed the movie has sparked controversy for "distorting facts". It quoted a Chinese expert stating that Bollywood films often present an "entertainment-driven, emotionally charged portrayal". The piece further asserted that "no amount of cinematic exaggeration could rewrite history or shake the People's Liberation Army's determination to defend China's sovereign territory."
Powerful Imagery and Historical Context
The teaser opens with a powerful voice-over by Salman Khan's character, delivering a motivational line to his troops: "Soldiers, remember, if you get wounded, treat it like a medal, and if you see death, salute it." Visually, it depicts Indian soldiers bracing for combat as Chinese troops advance towards them.
According to accounts from Army sources regarding the actual incident, Indian soldiers, led by the valiant Col. Santosh Babu, demonstrated remarkable resilience. They quickly regrouped during the high-altitude standoff and launched a fierce counter-response against the opposing forces.
The viral success of the teaser and the ensuing geopolitical commentary highlight the significant cultural and political impact of cinema, especially when it portrays recent and sensitive historical events involving national pride and territorial integrity.
