'Battle of Galwan' has been creating headlines for a while now. However, one question every fan has asked is: Is the film inspired by the Indo-China clash?
Salman Khan's upcoming project, Battle of Galwan, has been making headlines for a while now. The team recently released a teaser for the film, and fans are very excited about the upcoming release. Amid that, one question has been plaguing fans: Is the film based on the Indo-China clash, or is there something else that inspired it? Let's find out.
Salman Khan's next major film will be released soon, and fans cannot keep their cool, especially because reports indicate the film is inspired by the 2020 clash between India and China. However, are the speculations true? Here's what we know. In June 2020, a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers occurred in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, which left the world shocked. It's said that the film follows the same story.
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film reportedly stars Chitrangda Singh and is expected to highlight the valour of Indian soldiers. According to Al Jazeera, the fight was triggered by a dispute over two Chinese tents and observation towers that Indian officials said had been "built on its side of the LAC." It was fought without firearms due to prior agreements, with hand-to-hand combat using makeshift weapons such as sticks and stones. As per Reuters:
"About 900 soldiers of both sides were involved in the hand-to-hand combat that followed when they beat each other with rocks and wooden sticks embedded with nails."
According to further reports, the Battle of Galwan draws from a chapter of the book, India's Most Fearless by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The book was published in 2022 and explored the sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the historic battle. The conflict resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers, including Colonel B Santosh Babu, whose role Salman Khan is portraying in the film. Colonel Babu reportedly tried to engage in dialogue with the Chinese troops, but violence broke out eventually. Despite suffering severe injuries, he led from the front till his last breath.
According to reports, Salman Khan underwent a major physical transformation for the role. He earlier shared a post about the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving this look. The film began shooting in Ladakh in July 2025, and wrapped up on schedule in November 2025.
Salman Khan posted on Instagram on the eve of July 4, 2025. The poster featured Salman in a battle-worn state, covered in blood, while gripping a wooden stick wrapped in barbed wire. His face was covered in scars, but a fierce look in his eyes sent shivers down everyone's spine. The actor wore a moustache in the poster, which generated significant buzz online. The actor shared the poster with the visual caption:
"Over 15,000 ft. above sea level, India fought its most brutal battle without firing a single bullet."
The teaser for the Battle of Galwan was released on December 27, 2025. It begins with Salman delivering a speech to his soldiers, preparing them to fight the enemy. The clip also shows him walking towards the enemy, with soldiers marching alongside him. The video ends with Salman's character striking someone with a stick.
The teaser also shows Salman's character looking grimly towards the oncoming enemy. Along with giving the world a glimpse of the harsh terrain and realities of high-altitude combat. It also features vocals by Stebin Ben and a background score by Himesh Reshammiya. Battle of Galwan will release in theatres on April 17, 2026.
What are your thoughts on the Battle of Galwan? Let us know.
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