Post by : Saif Rahman

The trailer for Salman Khan's upcoming movie, Battle of Galwan, has ignited criticism from segments of the Chinese media; however, leaders within India's film industry indicate that the backlash is neither surprising nor concerning.

The teaser was unveiled on December 27, showcasing Salman Khan in a compelling role inspired by the 2020 clash at Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese forces. Following its release, the Chinese tabloid Global Times featured insights from experts remarking that Bollywood films primarily serve entertainment purposes and can't alter historical narratives. The report highlighted that numerous Chinese netizens had criticized the teaser.

In response, Ashoke Pandit, Chief Advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), noted that such criticism was anticipated. He emphasized that any film addressing the India-China tensions at Galwan would inevitably evoke reactions from China.

Pandit asserted that Indian filmmakers possess the right to narrate stories reflecting India’s experiences and history. He stated that producing a film on the Galwan incident isn’t inappropriate, and such reactions are unlikely to affect the movie's release or its box office performance. He added that producers likely foresaw this backlash due to the sensitive nature of the topic directly involving China.

According to him, films like Battle of Galwan aim to present India’s narrative to the global audience. He mentioned that China has previously posed challenges for India and has backed entities contrary to Indian interests. Thus, he believes it’s vital for Indian cinema to represent such stories candidly. Pandit also mentioned that if the film resonates with audiences and is well-executed, it should succeed regardless of external criticisms.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, Battle of Galwan is based on the book India’s Most Fearless 3. The film revisits the violent events of June 2020 in eastern Ladakh, where Indian and Chinese military personnel clashed under extreme conditions armed with sticks and stones since firearms were prohibited. The altercation resulted in the death of Indian Army officer Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, along with other soldiers.

Reports suggest that Salman Khan will portray a character inspired by Colonel Santosh Babu, with Chitrangda Singh also featured in the film. This movie delves into themes of valor, sacrifice, and the dire experiences of soldiers stationed at high-altitude borders.

Despite differing perspectives internationally, the discourse surrounding Battle of Galwan has captivated considerable attention. For many in India's film sector, the criticism from Chinese media only underscores the sensitive and impactful nature of the subject, even years after the real-life episodes occurred.

#Entertainment News