The recently unveiled teaser for Salman Khan's upcoming film, 'Battle of Galwan', has ignited a fierce online debate. Released on the superstar's 60th birthday on December 27, 2025, the preview was met with widespread praise for its patriotic fervour and intense visuals. However, a brief moment showing Salman Khan with a slight smile became an unexpected flashpoint for criticism on social media.
The Social Media Storm and a Firm Defence
While many fans celebrated the teaser's raw intensity, a section of netizens quickly zeroed in on Salman's fleeting smile, questioning its appropriateness in a war drama based on the real-life 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The criticism, however, did not go unchallenged. Stepping into the fray was former 'Bigg Boss 13' contestant and social commentator, Tehseen Poonawalla, who offered a staunch and nuanced defence of the actor's expression.
Poonawalla took to X (formerly Twitter) to directly address the trolling. He argued that those mocking the smile were fundamentally misunderstanding the emotion being portrayed. According to him, it was far from a casual or misplaced gesture.
"It's Composure, Not Casualness": Poonawalla's Interpretation
In his post, Tehseen Poonawalla provided a powerful perspective rooted in the mindset of a soldier. He explained that the smile reflected "composure" and "calm aggression." He described it as the look of a warrior who is fully aware of the grave situation ahead but chooses not to show panic, even with the enemy in sight.
He further elaborated that Salman's restrained expression successfully conveyed a complex mix of pain and courage, emotions often synonymous with soldiers in life-or-death scenarios. "That smile isn't weakness," Poonawalla asserted, shifting the narrative. He framed it as an "acceptance" and a profound form of "courage."
To solidify his point, he referenced the soldier's ultimate dichotomy, stating that on the battlefield, there are only two outcomes: victory or sacrifice. Both, he emphasised, are forms of triumph. He concluded by quoting poignant lines from the teaser itself: "Jawaano yaad rahe, zakham lage toh medal samajhna aur maut dikhe toh salaam karna… Aaj nahi toh phir kabhi" and "Maut se kya darna, usse toh aana hi hai." Poonawalla expressed optimism, noting that if the film maintains this tone, it holds serious potential.
About 'Battle of Galwan'
'Battle of Galwan' is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and draws inspiration from the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. The film features Salman Khan in a leading role, with Chitrangada Singh in a key part. The supporting cast includes Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, Abhilash Chaudhary, Vipin Bhardwaj, and Heera Sohal.
Following the buzz generated by the birthday teaser, the production team has officially announced the film's release date. After earlier speculation about an Eid premiere, 'Battle of Galwan' is now slated for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026.
