Salman Khan starrer Battle of Galwan has been making headlines ever since its intense first-look poster dropped earlier this year. The project, based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between India and China, promised a gripping war drama with the superstar playing a real-life hero.
However, recently circulating reports claimed that the film might be facing roadblocks and stated that it had not received permission from the Indian Army, raising fears it could be shelved.
No Army Permission Issue For Battle Of Galwan, Rumours Fake
Some unverified reports suggested that the Ministry of Defence had not cleared the script due to its sensitive subject matter. They claimed that if permission was denied, the makers would have to rework it into a fictionalised story.
But sources close to the production have now dismissed these rumours. An insider confirmed, “The film is about a soldier’s bravery. It’s not villainising another country. The makers wouldn’t have announced the film without permissions in place.”
This statement has come as a huge relief for Salman Khan fans. Many were worried that the film might not happen at all.
Mumbai Schedule Postponed For This Salman Khan Starrer, Ladakh Shoot First
While there’s no issue with the army’s clearance, Battle of Galwan is still seeing changes in its production schedule. Initially, director Apoorva Lakhia had planned to kick off shooting in Mumbai this September, with a massive set built at Mehboob Studios in Bandra.
That plan has now been scrapped in favour of starting the film directly with its Ladakh schedule from August 22 to September 3. The Mumbai leg has been postponed indefinitely.
A source told Mid-Day, “It’s a creative decision. The makers want to start directly with the action scenes. Also, Salman sports a distinct look, and for continuity purposes, there couldn’t have been a 30-day gap between the Mumbai and Ladakh stints. Apoorva felt that the sequences would need to be shot in succession.”
The set that had been constructed in Bandra is now being dismantled. Whether any scenes (like songs or patchwork) will be filmed in Mumbai will be decided towards the end of production.
Salman Khan As Colonel Santosh Babu In Battle Of Galwan
The film will see Salman Khan portraying Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who displayed extraordinary courage during the Galwan clash and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in 2021.
For Salman, Battle of Galwan marks an important comeback opportunity following a mixed run at the box office. His last released Sikandar flopped badly and crossed Rs 100 cr only bcause of his huge star power.
