Superstar Salman Khan has officially begun filming his highly anticipated war drama, Battle of Galwan, in the rugged terrains of Ladakh. The film is being directed by Apoorva Lakhia and centers around the deadly June 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley.
Behind-the-Scenes: Rituals and First Glimpses
Director Apoorva Lakhia provided fans a sneak peek into the set through his Instagram story, posting a snapshot of an ID card emblazoned with the movie’s poster and footage of a small ceremonial ritual marking the commencement of the shoot.
The day before, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared a striking behind-the-scenes photo on X (formerly Twitter): Salman Khan, clad in a blue outfit, preparing for a combat sequence against Ladakh’s majestic mountain backdrop. His caption read:
“Superstar #SalmanKhan joins the prestigious #GalwanValley team… His aura, intensity & larger-than-life presence will take this patriotic saga to another level.”
Physically Demanding Role
Salman will portray Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the officer who led Indian troops during the Galwan clash and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
During a past interview, Salman acknowledged the intense physical demands of the role, particularly challenging given his age (59). He highlighted grueling training, including high-altitude and cold-water drills, distinguishing this role from his action-packed character in Sikandar.
Unexpected Roadblock: Shift in Filming Venue
Earlier this month, the production faced a setback: scheduled filming at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios was abruptly cancelled. The sets were dismantled as the team decided to shift the entire production to Ladakh for visual and narrative cohesion. This move underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to authentic portrayal of the high-altitude battleground.
Star Cast and Personal Milestones
The cast includes prominent actors such as Chitrangda Singh, Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, and Harshil Shah, among others. Chitrangda Singh described Battle of Galwan as a long-awaited collaboration with Khan, marking a meaningful milestone in her career.
In addition to the film, Salman is set to return as the host of Bigg Boss Season 19, which premieres on August 24 on Colors TV and JioHotstar (via OTTplay Premium).
What Lies Ahead
With filming underway amidst the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh and Salman in peak physical form, Battle of Galwan promises to be one of the most visually and emotionally compelling war dramas from Bollywood. The switch in location, the intense training, and the emotional weight of portraying the real-life valor of Colonel Santosh Babu all point toward a film built with care and conviction.
Stay tuned for further developments, from more BTS glimpses to eventual release announcements, as this project unfolds.
By – Sonali