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Salman Khan Begins Shooting Battle of Galwan — A High-Stakes Patriotic Drama
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has officially kicked off filming on his much-anticipated war-drama Battle of Galwan, set in the rugged scenery of Ladakh. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the real 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese forces — a confrontation that did not involve guns but resulted in tragic, hand-to-hand fighting at high altitude.
What We Know So Far
- The shoot has started in Leh, Ladakh, a location that lends authenticity to the story.
- The production began with a Ganpati puja, a ritualistic ceremony to mark the start of the filming. Salman and the crew prayed for the auspicious beginning of what promises to be a strenuous shoot.
- In the first schedule itself, the production is focusing on filming the climax sequences in the harsh, high-altitude terrain.
- Actor Chitrangda Singh has joined the cast, traveling to Leh for around a 15-day schedule. Her parts are among the key sequences to be shot in Leh.
Salman’s Role & Physical Demands
- Salman Khan plays Colonel B. Santosh Babu of the 16 Bihar regiment, the officer who led Indian troops during the Galwan Valley clash.
- He’s openly shared that this role is one of the more physically demanding ones in his career. High altitude, cold water sequences, combat scenes, even wading through freezing waters are part of the shoot.
- To prepare, Salman reportedly adopted rigorous training, diet changes (cutting down junk and carbs), and other fitness regimes.
Release & Other Details
- Initially, it was speculated that the film might release during Eid, as many of Salman’s films do. However, reports now suggest it might come out around Republic Day 2026 or in June 2026.
- There are also planned action sequences, including underwater shots in difficult terrain. The shoot is expected to be challenging not just because of the geography but the climatic conditions.
Why This Film Matters
- Patriotic & Real-Life Basis
This is one of the few mainstream films focusing on the Galwan Valley incident, a recent border clash. The story of Colonel Santosh Babu and his troops has strong emotional and national resonance. - Technical / Physical Challenge
With filming at more than 15,000 feet, in cold waters, and in demanding terrain, Battle of Galwan is as much a logistical challenge as a cinematic one. Salman’s commitment to capturing authenticity increases the stakes. - Salman’s Image & Career Move
This is not just another commercial film — it’s one where Salman is stretching into roles involving heavier physical exertion and emotional weight. It signals a maturation, in a way, of his action/war offerings. - Audience Anticipation & Buzz
Given Salman’s star power, patriotic themes, and the dramatic real story behind the Galwan event, there’s already high expectations. Early visuals—the motion posters, the teasers—have stirred interest.
Challenges the Production Faces
- Altitude and Weather: Shooting in Ladakh means dealing with unpredictable weather, freezing temperatures, snowfall, and the difficulty of transporting equipment and crew to remote regions.
- Physical Safety: Hand-to-hand combat scenes, underwater action, cold water shoots — all present risk to actors and crew. Ensuring proper acclimatization and medical support will be critical.
- Logistics & Authenticity: Achieving authenticity — in setting, uniforms, troop behaviour — demands detailed research and coordination, maybe even collaboration with military consultants. Any mistakes might draw criticism.
- Release Timing & Competition: With possible shift from Eid release, the film competes with other big releases. The film needs both cinematic quality and effective marketing to capture audience interest.
Conclusion
Battle of Galwan looks positioned to be one of the more ambitious war dramas in recent Bollywood history. With Salman Khan leading, a director known for gritty work (Apoorva Lakhia), and a real-life story with deep emotional and patriotic undertones, it has many ingredients for both acclaim and commercial success. But the physical demands, logistical challenges, and high audience expectations will make it a test not just of filmmaking, but of discipline, preparation, and execution.
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