Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan sparks controversy in China with its teaser; Ashoke Pandit says ‘it’s basically a kind of insecurity’

Salman Khan's Battle Of Galwan teaser angers China (Photo: Battle Of Galwan team)

Following the underperformance of Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) and Sikandar (2024), Salman Khan fans are eagerly looking forward to his upcoming film Battle of Galwan, hoping it will reverse his fortunes. On the occasion of his 60th birthday, Salman unveiled the film’s teaser, which quickly drew widespread attention. However, the release also sparked controversy, with sections of Chinese media reportedly criticising the teaser and alleging that it distorted facts surrounding the Galwan clash.

A state-run newspaper in China called Global Times has heavily criticized the Battle of Galwan teaser. It also criticized Salman Khan’s film choices. While Chinese media has been criticising the teaser, Indian fans and film personalities have been lauding the teaser. Reacting to the teaser, a fan wrote, “Finally, after a long time found a new deshbhakti song so that we can prepare dance form in new songs.” Another fan called the teaser “Superb.” A third fan called the film “Blockbuster of 2026.”

While sections of the Chinese media have been vocal in expressing their anger over the teaser of Salman Khan’s film Battle of Galwan, Indian filmmakers have strongly pushed back, accusing Chinese publications of making fabricated claims. Talking to NDTV, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit called China’s reaction obvious and said, “When an Indian filmmaker makes a film, he definitely sees to it that our enemy country’s activities are exposed. We as a nation are strong, and our security forces are really brave to fight their battles for the country. So it’s basically a kind of insecurity that Global Times feels.”

Producer Rahul Mitra also told NDTV, “Films are made with proper research because that is the foundation of any good script, and with people like Apoorva Lakhia and Salman Khan, they’re notable names; I don’t think they will just make anything to distort facts just to make a film.”

In Battle Of Galwan, Salman Khan is seen playing the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who was the commanding officer of the 16th Bihar regiment and died while fighting during an intrusion from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops.

Salman Khan’s Battle Of Galwan also stars Chitrangda Singh, Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, and Vipin Bhardwaj. The film is slated to release on 17th April 2026.