China has a problem with Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan, says it is 'distorting facts'

The teaser of the upcoming Bollywood film Battle of Galwan, starring Salman Khan, has triggered a sharp reaction from China's state-run newspaper. The publication has accused the filmmakers of "distorting facts" regarding the June 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley. The article argues that the cinematic portrayal of the events does not align with the ground reality and labels the film as a tool to stoke "antagonistic sentiment" and "over-the-top drama" that cannot alter China's territorial claims.

The Global Times report specifically targeted the portrayal of the Indian Army's bravery, dismissing Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu’s sacrifice as a "so-called pivotal role." It further alleged that Indian forces were the ones who violated the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and deliberately provoked the situation. By framing the Indian Army as the aggressor, the Chinese outlet claimed that the film seeks to mislead the international community and smear the reputation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

In a controversial stance, the article reiterated Beijing’s claim that India "exaggerated" its casualty figures while distorting China’s losses. While India officially lost 20 soldiers in the brutal hand-to-hand combat, China initially denied any losses, only to later acknowledge four casualties months later. The Chinese media house accused Indian cinema of having a "deeply rooted tradition" of using movies to stir nationalistic sentiments for political gains, rather than presenting a balanced historical account.

The backlash from Chinese netizens was also highlighted, with many reportedly describing the teaser as unrealistic. Despite the criticism, the film remains one of the most anticipated projects in India, aiming to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought in one of the most significant border face-offs in recent decades. The controversy sets a tense backdrop for the film's release, as it becomes the latest flashpoint in the ongoing narrative war between the two neighboring giants.