Political analyst and former Bigg Boss contestant Tehseen Poonawalla has strongly defended Salman Khan after the superstar faced trolling for a subtle smile in the Battle of Galwan teaser, released on his 60th birthday, December 27, 2025. Calling out critics for “missing the point,” Tehseen reframed the expression as a mark of soldierly strength.
The Teaser Breakdown: Intensity, Patriotism, and Controversy
The teaser for the Apoorva Lakhia-directed war drama, inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, features Salman in rugged military gear amid snowy terrains. Powerful dialogues like “Jawaano yaad rahe, zakham lage toh medal samajhna aur maut dikhe toh salaam karna” set a patriotic tone. However, a brief smile drew flak, with trolls labeling it casual or misplaced in a serious context.
Tehseen’s Response: Depth, Acceptance, and Bravery
In a viral X post on December 28, Tehseen wrote: “Those trolling Salman for that slight smile in the #BattleOfGalwan teaser are missing the point. That isn’t casual – it’s composure. It’s calm aggression.” He explained it as the mindset of a soldier accepting fate—victory or sacrifice—adding, “That smile isn’t weakness. It’s acceptance. It’s courage.” If the film retains this tone, “there’s serious potential,” he noted.
Salman’s Portrayal: From Star to Slayer
Salman, portraying Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu alongside Chitrangada Singh, brings restrained intensity, earning praise from supporters for capturing a warrior’s resolve.
Buzz and Legacy
The defense sparked debates on interpreting performances, with fans appreciating Tehseen’s insight amid trending #BattleOfGalwan clips.
A Resilient Horizon Awaits
Tehseen’s backing isn’t debate—it’s ignition. As trolls misread depth, composure shines, and narratives ascend, it affirms: Subtle strength summons revolution in cinema’s ceaseless charge.
-By Manoj H