China’s state media slams Salman Khan’s ‘Battle of Galwan’ teaser, calls film a ‘distortion of facts’

PTC Web Desk:  Salman Khan-starrer 'Battle of Galwan' has sparked international attention soon after its teaser release, drawing criticism from China’s state-run media outlet Global Times. The teaser was unveiled on December 27, coinciding with the Bollywood superstar’s birthday, and quickly became a talking point beyond India’s borders.

In its commentary, Global Times accused the film of misrepresenting facts related to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Citing unnamed Chinese experts, the publication claimed that regardless of how dramatic or exaggerated a film may be, it cannot influence the reality of what it termed as China’s “sacred territory”.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, 'Battle of Galwan' features Salman Khan in the role of an Indian Army officer, marking one of his most intense and restrained portrayals in recent years. The film is inspired by the deadly hand-to-hand confrontation that took place on June 16, 2020, in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. The Chinese side also reportedly suffered casualties, though Beijing has never officially disclosed the numbers.

The Galwan clash significantly escalated tensions between the two Asian giants, prompting large-scale military deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both armies moved additional troops, conducted extensive surveillance of border areas and prepared for potential escalation. In the years since, India and China have gradually disengaged from several friction points and established buffer zones as part of ongoing diplomatic and military negotiations.

The teaser, shared by Salman Khan on his Instagram handle, offers a stark visual narrative, showing harsh terrain, freezing temperatures and close-quarter combat, underlining the extreme conditions in which soldiers operate at high altitudes. Salman appears in uniform with a composed yet intense demeanour, reflecting the seriousness of the subject.

Actor Chitrangda Singh plays the female lead opposite Salman Khan. The film is slated for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026.

While Battle of Galwan has generated strong reactions across borders, its makers have not yet responded to the criticism from Chinese media. Meanwhile, the teaser continues to gain traction among audiences, positioning the film as one of the most anticipated war dramas in recent years.