India rejects China’s criticism of Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan, ‘Artistic freedom is non-negotiable’ say Government sources

India rejects China’s criticism of Salman Khan's Battle of Galwan, ‘Artistic freedom is non-negotiable’ say Government sources

• India affirms artistic freedom after Chinese criticism of Battle of Galwan film
• Government says filmmakers are free to depict stories without state interference
• Film portrays 2020 Galwan clash; China disputes facts shown in the movie

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India on Tuesday firmly underlined that artistic freedom remains a cornerstone of the country’s democratic framework, responding to criticism from Chinese state media over the upcoming film Battle of Galwan. According to a report by NDTV, government sources said filmmakers in India are free to tell stories through cinema without state interference.

The reaction came after Chinese media outlets, including Global Times, claimed that the Salman Khan-starrer “distorts facts” related to the violent 2020 military clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.

The film is based on the deadly confrontation in the Galwan Valley, where Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in brutal hand-to-hand combat. In the movie, Salman Khan portrays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who was killed while leading Indian troops during the clash with intruding People's Liberation Army personnel.

Also Read: Salman Khan starrer Battle of Galwan sparks controversy among Chinese viewers over Indo-China War portrayal

New Delhi has officially acknowledged that 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the June 2020 clash. Beijing, after initially denying any casualties, later admitted to the deaths of four Chinese soldiers, a figure India and several independent analysts believe significantly understates actual losses.

“India is a country with freedom of expression, and cinematic expression is an integral part of it. Indian filmmakers are free to make films as per this artistic freedom,” a government source told NDTV. The source further clarified that the government has no involvement in the making of the film. “Those who may have concerns on this particular film are free to approach India’s Ministry of Defence for any clarifications. Government has no role to play in this film,” the source added.

Following the Galwan clashes, relations between India and China sharply deteriorated. Both sides deployed additional troops and heavy equipment along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, amid prolonged military and diplomatic negotiations aimed at disengagement and de-escalation.

The Global Times article alleged that the film’s depiction of the 2020 incident “does not align with the facts” and claimed that Bollywood cinema presents an “emotionally charged” narrative. It also controversially asserted that the Galwan Valley lies on the Chinese side of the LAC and blamed Indian troops for provoking the clash—claims New Delhi has consistently rejected as false.