What Is Battle Of Galwan? The India-China Clash That Inspires Salman Khan Starrer Intense War Film By Apoorva Lakhia

Salman Khan is gearing up for one of his most powerful roles yet. The superstar will lead Battle of Galwan, an intense war drama inspired by the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2020. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, this film promises to be both emotional and action-packed, shedding light on a brutal chapter in India’s modern history.

The real-life incident shook the nation. In June 2020, soldiers from India and China faced off in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. The region, perched high in the Himalayas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), became the site of one of the most violent clashes between the two countries in decades.

About Battle Of Galwan: Clash That Shook The Himalayas

It all started when Indian troops dismantled illegal Chinese tents and observation posts in the area India claims as its own. What followed was not a gunfight, but something even more brutal. Soldiers fought with stones, iron rods, and wooden sticks embedded with nails. No bullets were fired, but the battle was deadly.

Roughly 900 soldiers were caught in the hand-to-hand fight under freezing night skies, more than 15,000 feet above sea level. India lost 20 brave soldiers, including Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, who led from the front. China officially reported four deaths, though some reports suggest their losses were much higher.

The Galwan Valley clash was the first fatal face-off between India and China since 1975. The fallout went beyond the battlefield. India responded with economic measures by banning Chinese apps, tightening investment rules, and cutting back on flight connectivity with China.

Diplomatic talks followed. Military commanders from both nations began disengagement discussions, resulting in troops pulling back from some contested areas. By the end of 2024, around 75% of disengagement will be completed. But tensions along the border still run high.

Salman Khan Transforms For Battle Of Galwan

Now, this story of courage and sacrifice is coming to the big screen. Salman Khan steps into the role of Colonel Santosh Babu. The actor is undergoing a major physical transformation for the part. You can expect to see him with a lean frame and a sharp crew cut, very different from his usual on-screen look.

Apoorva Lakhia (known for gritty action films like Shootout at Lokhandwala) is directing this project. He wants the film to capture both the brutality of the battle and the human emotions behind it. The script draws inspiration from the India’s Most Fearless series, based on real-life accounts of soldiers.

Filming will kick off in July across Ladakh and Mumbai. The team plans to shoot in the rugged landscapes where the real clash happened, adding authenticity to the film.

Why This Story Matters

The Battle of Galwan was more than just a military skirmish. It became a symbol of national grit and sacrifice. For India, it was a moment of standing tall in the face of aggression.

With Battle of Galwan, Salman Khan and Apoorva Lakhia aim to go beyond headlines. Their film hopes to honour the soldiers’ bravery and share their untold struggles with the world. Who knows, it will emerge as a huge comeback for superstar after Sikandar debacle.