Battle of Galwan Brings 2020 Ladakh Clash and Colonel Santosh Babu’s Bravery to the Big Screen
January 25, 2026: Salman Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan revisits the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, stepping beyond conventional war cinema to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film blends patriotism with strong human emotion, drawing attention to one of the most intense border confrontations in recent history. With its first song Maatrubhumi released around Republic Day, the film has already resonated with audiences, setting the tone for a story rooted in duty, resilience, and national pride.
Khan’s character is inspired by Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, MVC, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment during the Galwan deployment in eastern Ladakh. On the night of June 15, 2020, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in brutal hand-to-hand combat under extreme conditions, as firearms were barred by existing agreements. Colonel Babu led from the front, sustained critical injuries during the confrontation, and later lost his life after falling into freezing waters. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his exceptional bravery.
The film’s narrative is adapted from India’s Most Fearless 3 by Rahul Singh and Shiv Aroor, which documents real-life accounts of battlefield heroism. While inspired by true events, the makers have clarified that Battle of Galwan is not a biopic but a human story set against the backdrop of the clash. Produced by Salma Khan under the Salman Khan Films banner and starring Chitrangada Singh alongside Khan, the film is slated for a theatrical release on April 17, making it one of the most anticipated patriotic releases of the year.