Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit backs Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan amid controversy over Chinese allegations

ashoke salman

• Ashoke Pandit defends Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan against Chinese media criticism
• Film on 2020 Galwan clash faces backlash for alleged historical distortion
• Battle of Galwan set for release on April 17, 2026 starring Salman Khan

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Veteran filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who serves as the Chief Advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), has come out in strong support of Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan amid rising controversy sparked by criticism from Chinese media. The film’s teaser — released on Salman Khan’s 60th birthday on December 27, 2025 — has been trending nationally, drawing both praise and sharp international reactions.

The teaser, which depicts dramatic scenes inspired by the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, has drawn particular backlash from China’s Global Times newspaper and other commentators, who claim it distorts historical facts and portrays a one-sided narrative of the conflict. Critics abroad argue that the cinematic retelling does not align with their interpretation of events and is overly nationalistic.

During an interview with Hindustan Times, Ashoke Pandit has slammed the Chinese allegations of alleged distortion of the events. He explained, "We are not surprised or shocked that the media in China has responded to Galwan film in such a way... If a filmmaker or production house decides to give depiction of confrontation of India and China, there is nothing wrong with it. I don’t think isse iski release par koi asar padega as far as release or collection is concerned. It must have been in the minds of the producers that because it is Galwan, China would react because it is a film that is exposing them. We have the right to make a film like this on the subject and tell the world that this is what China has done to our country."

He concluded with, "China is a country that has supported Pakistan, has created a lot of issues and problems for our country. Its a great thing that this film is made. If the film is good it will do well."

Also read: Ashoke Pandit thanks Janhvi Kapoor for speaking out against Dipu Das killing

Battle of Galwan is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and stars Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, a commanding officer in the 16 Bihar Regiment. The film is slated for release on April 17, 2026, and is expected to continue generating discussion as its release date approaches.