China Slams Salman Khan's 'Battle Of Galwan', Kicks Up Controversy

New Delhi: The recently released teaser of Salman Khan's starrer Bollywood war drama 'Battle of Galwan' has become the latest issue of contention between India and China with Chinese state media accusing the film of distorting facts. 

Based on the 2020 clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan in eastern Ladakh, the film has been directed by Apoorva Lakhia and also stars Chitrangada Singh as the female lead alongside Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, and Vipin Bhardwaj alongside Salman Khan in the lead role. 

What is Salman Khan’s role in the film?

Salman Khan plays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who died while fighting troops from China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA).

What did the Chinese media say?

An article in China's state-run newspaper, Global Times, alleged that films distorts facts related to the events of the June 2020 clash. Chinese media have slammed the film "Battle of Galwan" as an "over-the-top" film depiction of the event, dismissing Santosh Babu's bravery and sacrifice as a "so-called pivotal role".

"The Bollywood films at most provide an entertainment-driven, emotionally charged portrayal, but no amount of cinematic exaggeration can rewrite the history or shake the PLA's determination to defend China's sovereign territory," the Global Times report read.

The Global Times article also falsely claimed that the Galwan Valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and accused Indian troops of crossing the LAC and provoking a confrontation with the PLA.

"Acts of the Indian army have seriously undermined the stability of the border areas, threatened the lives of Chinese personnel, violated the agreements reached between the two countries on the border issue, and breached the basic norms governing international relations," the report said.

How has India responded?

Government officials told the media that those who have concerns regarding the movie can approach the Defence Ministry for clarifications. 

"India is a country with freedom of expression, and cinematic expression is an integral part of it. Indian filmmakers are free to make films as per this artistic freedom. Those who may have concerns on this particular film are free to approach India's Ministry of Defence for any clarifications. Government has no role to play in this film," an official statement said.

What was the Galwan incident?

Indian and Chinese troops engaged in hand to hand combat in the Galwan Valley on June 2020 when the PLA tried to intrude across the LAC and capture Indian territory. The Indian Army has officially admitted that 20 of its troops were killed in the brutal hand-to-hand combat. 

The Chinese, on the other hand, initially denied any casualties before claimed that the PLA lost four soldiers.
"India exaggerated casualty figures, distorted facts, and attempted to mislead the international community and smear the Chinese military," the Global Times article read.