The unveiling of the teaser for Salman Khan's upcoming film, Battle of Galwan, has ignited a cross-border controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Chinese state media while being celebrated by Indian fans and film industry figures. The actor released the teaser on his 60th birthday, December 27, 2025, marking a significant moment for his career after recent box office setbacks.
Chinese Media Criticism and Indian Fan Euphoria
Following the teaser's release, China's state-run Global Times newspaper launched a strong critique. The publication alleged that the teaser distorts the facts surrounding the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. This criticism stands in stark contrast to the reception in India, where the preview has been met with widespread enthusiasm.
Indian fans have flooded social media with praise, calling the teaser "superb" and predicting the film will be the "blockbuster of 2026." Many have expressed excitement over the patriotic fervor the teaser evokes, with one fan noting it provided a new "deshbhakti" song for dance performances.
Bollywood's Firm Rebuttal to Chinese Backlash
Prominent voices in the Indian film industry have swiftly countered the criticism emanating from China. In an interview with NDTV, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit dismissed the Chinese reaction as a sign of insecurity.
"When an Indian filmmaker makes a film, he definitely sees to it that our enemy country's activities are exposed," Pandit stated. "We as a nation are strong, and our security forces are really brave to fight their battles for the country. So it's basically a kind of insecurity that Global Times feels."
Producer Rahul Mitra also defended the film's integrity, emphasizing the research involved. He expressed confidence in the team, which includes director Apoorva Lakhia and star Salman Khan, asserting they would not distort facts merely for cinematic effect.
Film Details and Anticipated Release
In Battle of Galwan, Salman Khan portrays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16th Bihar regiment who was martyred during the Galwan clash with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). The film's cast also includes Chitrangda Singh, Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, and Vipin Bhardwaj.
The project carries high expectations for Salman Khan's career, following the underwhelming performance of his previous films, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) and Sikandar (2024). The film is officially scheduled for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026.
The controversy highlights how cinematic portrayals of recent historical and military events can quickly escalate into diplomatic and media flashpoints, reflecting the ongoing tensions between the two neighboring nations.
