Government Sources Defend Filmmakers' Rights Amid Chinese Criticism of Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan

Advertisment


Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan, which was released on 27 December 2025, is attracting criticism from the Chinese media. However, several prominent Indian government sources backed the film, stating that the filmmakers are free to use their creative rights. Ashoke Pandit, who is the Chief Advisor of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), also said that this criticism will not affect the film in any way.

China Alleges Distortion of Facts in Movie Teaser

China’s state-run media has criticized the teaser for "Battle of Galwan." The Global Times claims the movie portrays the 2020 border episodes inaccurately. They state the film "does not align with the facts." Chinese officials allege that the filmmakers have exaggerated the casualties and that the movie misrepresents the sequence of events. The publication asserts that "no 'over-the-top' drama can affect a country's sacred territory."

Articles accuse the Indian military of being the primary provocateurs of the conflict. They also claim that it was India who violated the Line of Actual Control first. Chinese netizens consider the teaser as unrealistic and complain that "India exaggerated the casualty figures and distorted the facts, while also attempting to mislead the international community and defame the Chinese army."

Advertisment

Indian Government Sources Uphold Creative Liberty

Indian government sources have responded sternly to Beijing’s criticism, emphasizing that India is a democratic nation. These sources stated that "artistic freedom" is a fundamental right. Filmmakers can create content without state interference. They believe "cinematic expression is an integral part of freedom of expression."

The government maintained it had no role in the movie’s creation. Officials noted that "filmmakers are free to make films exercising this artistic freedom." They also argued that creative choices should not be political tools for foreign entities. Sources pointed out that the Ministry of Defence handles military portrayal concerns. This stance reinforces the idea that "storytellers are free to choose narratives they consider important."

Overall, the film acts as a cultural vanguard for India's perspective. Meanwhile, the government keeps a clean slate for high-level talks. India shows that the state does not control its artists, which contrasts sharply with China’s state-controlled media environment.

Advertisment