The announcement of Salman Khan's next cinematic venture, a war drama titled 'Battle of Galwan', has ignited a significant cross-border controversy, drawing sharp reactions from Chinese social media users and experts. The film, which focuses on the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes in Ladakh, finds itself at the centre of a geopolitical and historical debate just days after its first-look teaser was released online to mark the actor's birthday.
Chinese Backlash and Accusations of Factual Distortion
While the film has been widely supported by Indian audiences as a tribute to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice, voices from China have raised strong objections. According to reports in the Chinese state-run Global Times, several users on the social media platform Weibo have accused the film's makers of presenting a version of events that contradicts established facts.
The online discourse has been intense, with one Weibo user, Qingning Riyue v, stating that the film's narrative "contradicts the facts." Another user, Situka 98, sarcastically remarked, "When history falls short, Bollywood steps in," reflecting a sentiment that the film is an attempt to rewrite history. Chinese military experts were also quoted in the report, downplaying the film's potential impact. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, asserted that no cinematic drama could affect a nation's sovereign territory.
Expert Critique and the Question of Timing
The criticism extended beyond social media to include Chinese analysts. Lan Jianxue, director of the Department of Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, questioned the timing of the film's production. He labelled it a "one-sided Indian narrative" and suggested it was unfortunate that the project was moving forward at a time when India-China bilateral relations were showing signs of a potential thaw.
In response to the brewing controversy, an Indian government source, as reported by PTI, highlighted India's long tradition of cinematic expression on national themes. The source recalled films like 'Haqeeqat' (1964) on the 1962 war and the more recent '120 Bahadur' on the Battle of Rezang La, stating that cinema is an artistic expression and India does not impose restrictions on it.
Film Details and Anticipated Release
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, 'Battle of Galwan' features Salman Khan in the pivotal role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment who was among the 20 Indian soldiers martyred in the violent face-off on June 15, 2020. The film aims to portray the courage and sacrifice of the Indian Army during the deadly skirmish. The project has generated substantial online buzz in India and is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on April 17.
The cross-border debate underscores how cinematic portrayals of recent, sensitive historical events can quickly transcend entertainment and become focal points for diplomatic and nationalistic discourse. As the release date approaches, the film is likely to remain a topic of heated discussion both within India and beyond its borders.
