December 30, 2025: Salman Khan’s latest film, Battle of Galwan, based on the deadly 2020 India-China border clash, has ignited a firestorm of outrage in China, with the state-run media accusing the film of distorting history. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the war drama portrays the brutal Galwan Valley clash, where Indian soldiers, led by Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, faced off against Chinese troops in a harrowing battle that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The film is not just a cinematic retelling; it has become a battleground for geopolitical tension.
In a dramatic turn of events, China’s Global Times unleashed a scathing attack on the film, calling it “emotionally charged” and filled with “exaggerated” facts. The Chinese media outlet claims that Battle of Galwan distorts the reality of the deadly 2020 confrontation, labeling the portrayal of Colonel Santosh Babu’s sacrifice as nothing more than a “so-called pivotal role” in an “over-the-top” narrative designed to stir nationalistic fervor.
Battle of Balwan: China Denies the Clash’s True Nature, Blames India for Provoking Conflict
According to the Chinese article, the Galwan Valley – a crucial stretch along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) – is located on Chinese soil. The Global Times boldly claims that India was the aggressor, accusing Indian troops of crossing into Chinese territory and provoking the deadly clash. The report also alleges that India “distorted casualty numbers,” in an attempt to mislead the global community and undermine China’s military resolve.
This claim stands in stark contrast to India’s official acknowledgment that 20 soldiers lost their lives in the brutal skirmish, which was one of the most intense and bloody encounters between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. China, initially denying any casualties, later admitted to the loss of four soldiers, a stark underplay of the true cost of the clash.
Bollywood’s Battle of Galwan: A Response to China’s “Insecurity”
In India, the film has been met with overwhelming support, with many filmmakers defending it as a tribute to the bravery of the Indian soldiers. Several prominent voices have spoken out against China’s response, dismissing the criticism as politically motivated and driven by an underlying sense of “insecurity.” The film, which highlights the courage of Colonel Santosh Babu and his men, is seen as a powerful narrative exposing the harsh realities of the Indo-China border conflict.
Critics argue that China’s angry reaction to the film is no surprise. In a nation where film and media are tightly controlled by the government, any portrayal that casts China in a negative light is bound to be met with hostility. But in India, Battle of Galwan is being hailed as an important cinematic exploration of a dark chapter in the nation’s history.
The film’s portrayal of the Galwan clash has stirred not only national pride but also international tension. India, which has long accused China of aggressive border actions, has vehemently denied that it was the aggressor in the June 2020 confrontation. In response to China’s media outcry, Indian government sources have emphasized that the film is the work of independent filmmakers and has no official backing from the Indian state. The government asserts that filmmakers have the right to tell their stories, and anyone with concerns is free to seek clarification from India’s Ministry of Defence.
However, the fallout from the film has only intensified the already tense diplomatic situation. With both nations holding deeply contrasting views on the Galwan clash, the film has become a symbolic battleground for larger geopolitical struggles.
Bollywood’s Bold Stand: Battle of Galwan Makes Waves on the Global Stage
As Battle of Galwan prepares for its release, all eyes are on the ongoing diplomatic implications. The film, despite its historical subject matter, is poised to become more than just entertainment, it is a flashpoint in the clash of narratives between India and China.
Bollywood, once seen as a form of escapism, now finds itself at the center of a geopolitical storm. With China’s harsh response, the film has escalated from a dramatic retelling of a tragic event to a political statement in its own right. The question now is not just how the world will react to the film’s release, but whether Battle of Galwan will become the spark that reignites tensions between two powerful nations.
As tensions rise, Battle of Galwan is a reflection of the battles fought not only on the ground but in the media, politics, and hearts of millions. And with its impending release, it’s clear that the war over the truth has only just begun.
