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While Indian media outlets promoted the film as showing Indian soldiers bravely defending their territory, Chinese users pushed back against this narrative.
Battle of Galwan is set for release in April 2026.
China’s state-run newspaper Global Times has strongly criticised the Salman Khan-starrer Battle of Galwan, just days after the film’s teaser was released. Although the film is scheduled to hit cinemas next year, it has already sparked debate and backlash, especially among Chinese audiences online.
Battle of Galwan is based on the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. In the film, Salman Khan plays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu.
The teaser, released on December 27, shows Salman Khan addressing his soldiers before moving towards the opposing side, gripping a stick as clashes unfold. The teaser ends with his character striking an individual, a sequence that has drawn sharp reactions.
According to Global Times, Chinese commentators have accused the film of presenting distorted facts. A Chinese military expert quoted by the publication said Bollywood films often focus on emotional storytelling and entertainment rather than accuracy. The expert added that no level of cinematic exaggeration can change historical facts or weaken the People’s Liberation Army’s resolve to defend China’s sovereign territory.
The film has also faced online criticism for its visuals. Some social media users compared scenes to Game of Thrones, questioning originality. Others pointed out issues with costumes, hairstyles and the portrayal of extreme weather conditions. Many Chinese netizens argued that the events shown do not match what they describe as the facts of the 2020 clash.
THE WAIT IS OVER – SALMAN KHAN UNVEILS ‘BATTLE OF GALWAN’ TEASER ON HIS BIRTHDAY – ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE… Looks DAMN GOOD… #SalmanKhan stars in the much-awaited #BattleOfGalwan, directed by #ApoorvaLakhia… In cinemas 17 April 2026.#BattleOfGalwanTeaser 🔗:… pic.twitter.com/Lfoq1oHvp2— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) December 27, 2025
While Indian media outlets promoted the film as showing Indian soldiers bravely defending their territory, Chinese users pushed back against this narrative. On Chinese microblogging website, Weibo, one user said the film seriously contradicts the facts, while another mocked the hype by saying, “When history falls short, Bollywood steps in.”
Global Times also recalled China’s official position on the Galwan incident, citing statements made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Defence Ministry in 2020 and 2021. These statements alleged that the Indian troops crossed the Line of Actual Control, triggered the confrontation and caused casualties on both sides.
Chinese experts told Global Times that films cannot change the core facts of the incident. They added that the film’s timing and one-sided portrayal could stir tension, even as China-India relations have recently shown signs of easing.
Delhi, India, India
December 30, 2025, 14:16 IST
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