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.
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.”
Be the first to comment