Salman Khan says Battle of Galwan teaser look is a “Colonel’s look,” not a romantic one, as he hits back at online trolling

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• Salman Khan says his intense look in Battle of Galwan teaser isn't romantic.
• He says trolling won't affect his focus on portraying military leadership in film.
• Battle of Galwan, based on 2020 conflict, releases in theaters on April 17, 2026

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Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has responded to social media trolling targeting his look in the teaser of his upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan, making it clear that what some fans labelled as a “romantic” expression was actually the intense gaze of his military character. The actor addressed the criticism during an appearance at an Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) match in Surat on Friday, where he also interacted with fans and commentators while promoting the film.

The Battle of Galwan teaser, released late last year on Salman’s birthday, shows the actor’s character rallying his troops for impending conflict, standing between enemy forces and his own soldiers while clutching a wooden log in place of a proper weapon. However, a section of social media users mocked his expression in one still, interpreting his gaze as “romantic” rather than stern or militaristic. This reaction sparked memes and jokes across platforms, prompting Khan to address the chatter in his typical candid style.

At the ISPL event, when former cricketer and commentator Mohammad Kaif playfully asked Khan to recreate the still from the teaser, the actor obliged and then clarified the intent behind his look. “, "Ab kisi ko ye samajh mein aata hai ki ye romantic look hai, lekin Colonel hoon bhaiya. Aur ye Colonel ka look hai, jo ki samajhta hai ki apne team waalon ko, apne jawaanon ko kaise hosla dena hai. Iss sabka koi matlab hai nahi, iss look ka koi matlab hai nahi. Toh aise hi chalta aaya hai aur aise hi chalta rahega, aap sabki dua se.”

LATEST: Salman Khan Hits back at all the trolls regarding Battle of Galwan teaser! "Mai colonel hu movie me, Mujhe Calm rehna parega. Kuch log bs faltu ka troll karte. Mai chila bhi sakta hu, but suit ni karega" #SalmanKhan#BattleOfGalwanpic.twitter.com/MY1PY3LgeA

— Being ADARSH⚡ (@IBeingAdarsh_) January 31, 2026

He added that such reactions have always occurred and will continue to do so — but they don’t diminish his focus on the film or its portrayal of military leadership.

Also read: Battle of Galwan's Maatrubhumi song unveiled: Salman Khan–Chitrangada Singh starrer patriotic song sets emotional tone of the war drama

Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict between Indian and Chinese forces and marks one of Salman’s most serious roles in recent years. The film also features Chitrangada Singh and others, and is slated for theatrical release on April 17, 2026, building anticipation as audiences await how the story of courage and sacrifice unfolds on screen.