Salman Khan’s upcoming war drama ‘Battle of Galwan’ has sparked quite the cross-border debate, particularly with fans in China raising objections to the film. Days after the film’s first-look teaser dropped online, on the occasion of the actor’s 60th birthday, the film’s narrative over the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes in Ladakh, has been generating significant buzz online. While Indian fans have been rooting for the film, touted to be a tribute to Indian soldiers martyred during the clash, according to Global Times, several Chinese fans have accused the makers of distorting historical facts.
‘Battle of Galwan’ faces backlash in China
As per reports, Chinese social media platforms like Weibo have been buzzing with debates related to the India-China military confrontation depicted in the short clip. A Weibo user identified as @QingningRiyue reportedly claimed that ‘Battle of Galwan’ “contradicts the facts.” Another user with the handle, @Situka98, commented, “When history falls short, Bollywood steps in.”
Rewriting history or cinematic expression
As reported by PTI, the Global Times newspaper claimed, “A Chinese expert said on Monday that Bollywood films at most provide an entertainment-driven, emotionally charged portrayal, but no amount of cinematic exaggeration can rewrite the history or shake the PLA’s determination to defend China’s sovereign territory.” It went on to add, “The film has also drawn other controversies online, with users pointing to issues such as the appearance and costumes of extras, actors’ hairstyles that do not match their military roles or the extreme cold implied in the storyline, and, most importantly, a portrayal of events that does not align with the facts.”The report also quoted Chinese military expert Song Zhongping, saying, “No matter how ‘over-the-top’ a drama may be, a nation’s sacred territory will never be affected by a film.”Lan Jianxue, director of the Department of Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, reportedly questioned the timing of the film, criticising what he described as a “one-sided Indian narrative.” He also claimed that the film is coming at a time when bilateral relations between India and China appear to be showing signs of improvement.
Indian Government sources respond
As reported by PTI, a government source commented on the debate saying, “India has a tradition of cinematic expression. A movie titled ‘Haqeeqat’ was made in 1964 and the theme was the India-China war of 1962. Another film ‘120 Bahadur’ was made recently on the legendary battle of Rezang La. Cinemas are an artistic expression and India does not restrict it.”
About ‘Battle of Galwan’
‘Battle of Galwan’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia, has Salman playing the role of Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who laid down his life along with 19 other soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment in the 2020 violent clashes that took place between Indian and Chinese troops. The film is slated for its release on April 17.
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