Bollywood's latest flirtation with facts draws flak

Exaggerated portrayals of soldiers and events in 'Battle of Galwan' fuel criticism

BEIJING:

Bollywood's latest effort to dramatise history has ignited controversy with the release of the trailer for 'Battle of Galwan,' a film claiming to depict the 2020 clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley.

The teaser, unveiled by lead actor Salman Khan on December 27, has triggered heated discussion online, with critics questioning both its historical accuracy and cinematic approach.

Salman Khan, familiar to Chinese audiences from films like 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan,' is often teased for playing roles that appear invincible, with plots critics describe as overly simplistic, and visual effects so exaggerated they border on the surreal.

The trailer comes after the release of Akshay Khanna-starrer 'Dhurandar' with a caricatured depiction of Karachi, bomb blasts, relentless violence, and a Lyari that looks more like an action-movie set than a real neighbourhood.

In 'Battle of Galwan,' Salman Khan portrays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, a role that Indian media have highlighted for its supposed importance in the Galwan Valley clash of 2020.

The teaser opens with Salman Khan delivering an impassioned speech to his troops, instructing them on how to confront the "enemy". It then shows him advancing toward opposing forces alongside his soldiers, holding a stick as an adversary charges, before striking an opponent.

Some online commentators drew comparisons with a scene from 'Game of Thrones,' questioning whether the film borrowed heavily from the popular fantasy series.

Critics have also highlighted inconsistencies in the production, including the appearance and costumes of extras, hairstyles that do not reflect military norms, and depictions of extreme cold that appear unrealistic.

Most importantly, observers argue that the film's portrayal of events deviates significantly from documented facts.

Indian media outlets, including India Today, have hyped the film as a faithful retelling, claiming that 200 Indian soldiers bravely defended against 1,200 Chinese troops in the June 15, 2020, Galwan Valley clash.

However, Chinese netizens and military commentators have pushed back. A Weibo user under the handle "Qingning Riyue v" said the film "seriously contradicts the facts," while another, "Situka 98," mocked the media hype, writing, "When history falls short, Bollywood steps in."

Four Chinese officers and soldiers lost their lives in the incident, with one heavily injured, and all were honoured by the Central Military Commission. In total, 20 Indian soldiers died during the skirmishes.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times that India's use of films, particularly Bollywood productions, to stir nationalistic sentiment is unsurprising, reflecting a deep-seated cultural and political tradition.

"Films may dramatise or embellish events, but they cannot change the core facts of the Galwan Valley incident," Song said. "India crossed the border first, and the PLA defended China's territory in accordance with the law.

The bravery shown by officers such as Qi Fabao and fallen soldier Chen Hongjun carries both symbolic and practical significance, demonstrating that the new generation of Chinese troops will never retreat when facing threats to national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Song added that Chinese soldiers consistently uphold their duties even in extreme highland conditions, confronting challenges and giving the public confidence in the nation's military readiness.

"The incident resonates strongly within Chinese society, highlighting the practical recognition of national will and military spirit," he said, stressing that cinematic exaggeration cannot undermine this reality.

Lan Jianxue, director of the Department of Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, also criticised the film's timing and narrative, telling the Global Times: "The theme and release of the film are inappropriate."

Lan said: "It presents a one-sided Indian narrative that stokes antagonistic sentiment, at a time when China-India relations have only recently begun showing hard-won signs of easing."

While the teaser has generated significant attention in India, analysts warn that such portrayals risk inflaming nationalistic fervour without reflecting the complexities of the historical event.

Despite the cinematic dramatisation, experts stress that films like 'Battle of Galwan' cannot alter the facts of the border clash or the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides.

As the film gears up for an April 2026 release, the debate surrounding its historical accuracy and the ethics of dramatising real-life military conflicts continues, highlighting the enduring tension between entertainment, national narratives, and the responsibilities of filmmakers when engaging with sensitive historical events.