Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan has been winning hearts with its teaser; however, the film has apparently upset his Chinese fans, who claim that the film presents false narratives and contradicts facts. Similarly, experts have also raised questions on the timing of its release
Battle of Galwan
The first look teaser of Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan was released on his birthday, December 27, 2025, amid much anticipation. The teaser received a lot of positive reviews as the actor joins the bandwagon of war-based films. Although Salman's global fandom is eagerly awaiting the release of the film on April 17, 2026, his Chinese fans are seemingly disappointed with his latest film. Many people from the Chinese side claim that the film distorts history, facts, and accounts of events that happened on the battlefield during the 2020 clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan region of Ladakh, India.
Battle of Galwan faces criticism from Chinese fans
Many of Salman's Chinese fans have been voicing their disappointment on social media, especially on the social media platform Weibo, where they are slamming the narrative of the film.
According to Global Times, a Weibo user 'Qingning Riyue v' called out Battle of Galwan, claiming that the film contradicts the facts. Similarly, another Weibo user under the name of 'Situka 98' claims, "When history falls short, Bollywood steps in."
The report also quotes Chinese military expert Song Zhongping, who claimed that "India's use of films, especially Bollywood productions, to stir nationalistic sentiment is unsurprising, reflecting a deeply rooted cultural and political tradition." Song further alleged that "No matter how films dramatise or embellish events, they cannot change the core facts of the Galwan Valley incident: India crossed the border first, and the PLA defended China's territory in accordance with the law."
"No matter how 'over-the-top' a drama may be, a nation's sacred territory will never be affected by a film," he added.
Experts question the timing of Battle of Galwan
In the same report, Lan Jianxue, director of the Department of Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, has allegedly questioned the timing of the film. He slammed its "one-sided Indian narrative," claiming that it "stokes antagonistic sentiment" at a crucial time when the bilateral relations between India and China seem to be improving.
For the unversed, the Battle of Galwan is believed to be based on the 2020 clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan region of Ladakh, India. According to the makers, the film depicts the Indian Army's 16 Bihar Regiment led by Colonel B. Santosh Babu, who is portrayed by Salman Khan. He reportedly engaged in a combat with Chinese soldiers. The film pays tribute to the bravery of Indian troops who were martyred in the intense military action. The film is helmed by Apoorva Lakhia.
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