Salman Khan’s ‘Battle of Galwan’ Set to Begin Shooting in Ladakh

SRINAGAR:  Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has officially announced his next big project, Battle of Galwan, with a thunderous first-look reveal that has set the internet ablaze. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is based on the real-life Galwan Valley clash of June 2020 between Indian and Chinese troops, a brutal hand-to-hand confrontation that unfolded over 15,000 feet above sea level without a single shot fired.

The motion poster shared by Khan on Instagram shows him in a bloodied and battle-worn avatar, gripping a wooden staff wrapped in barbed wire. His moustache, look, and fierce expression are already being hailed as one of the most intense transformations of his career. The poster features the tagline:

“Over 15,000 ft. above sea level, India fought its most brutal battle without firing a single bullet.”

Khan is reportedly essaying the role of Colonel B Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of 16 Bihar Regiment, who was among the 20 slain Indian soldiers during the Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020. The battle marked the first combat fatalities between India and China in 45 years and triggered a prolonged military standoff and diplomatic tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The clash took place within less than a year of the abrogation of Article 370, which also coincided with separating Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir and converting both spaces into Union Territories.

Battle of Galwan is inspired by the events documented in India’s Most Fearless 3 by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The film revisits the nightmarish realities of modern warfare fought under brutal constraints, no guns, just raw courage, grit, and sacrifice. Soldiers on both sides clashed using makeshift weapons like iron rods, stones, and wooden clubs.

While India lost 20 soldiers, including Colonel Santosh Babu, multiple Chinese soldiers were also reported dead, although official figures remain undisclosed by Beijing.

The motion poster triggered a storm on social media. Comments like “Aa gaya toofaan”, “Blockbuster loading”, and “Salman is back with a roar” flooded the post. This comes after the underwhelming response to Khan’s last release, Sikandar, and fans are hopeful that Battle of Galwan will mark his powerful return to hard-hitting patriotic drama.

Spotted in recent weeks with a thick moustache and intense look, Khan had already been teasing fans with hints about his next project. Now, with the official confirmation, buzz around the film is expected to soar further.

According to industry sources, the film’s first schedule will begin in Ladakh in August 2025, followed by shooting stints in Mumbai and Kashmir. The production aims to wrap by November 2025, with a release tentatively planned for late 2025 or early 2026.

Apoorva Lakhia, known for action-packed films like Shootout at Lokhandwala, is expected to bring raw realism and emotional depth to the screen. Chitrangda Singh is also rumoured to play a pivotal role, though further casting details are yet to be confirmed.

Interestingly, the 2020 clash is not the first time the Galwan Valley has been a site of military conflict. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Indian troops had defended the valley in similarly harsh conditions. The 2020 incident revived public awareness of Galwan’s continued strategic and emotional importance.

By portraying Colonel Santosh Babu, Salman Khan steps into the shoes of one of India’s most revered modern-day heroes. The officer’s leadership and sacrifice have been widely acknowledged by the Indian Army. His role in the Galwan clash embodies the spirit of duty, sacrifice, and national pride.

Battle of Galwan promises to be more than a war film. It’s shaping up to be a cinematic tribute to unsung heroes, a story of valour without violence, and a visual ode to the courage of Indian soldiers who defended their motherland barehanded against aggression.

As Salman Khan’s rugged look continues to trend across platforms, one thing is clear: Battle of Galwan is not just a film; it’s a movement, and Bhaijaan is leading the charge.