Battle of Galwan teaser: Salman Khan marks his 60th birthday with a gritty look at high-altitude warfare, swapping stunts for 'quiet authority'
Salman Khan marks his 60th birthday with the Battle of Galwan teaser. This realistic military epic by Apoorva Lakhia co-stars Chitrangada Singh and hits theatres on April 17, 2026.
Last Updated: 07.29 PM, Dec 27, 2025
On his 60th birthday, December 27, 2025, Salman Khan has unveiled the official teaser for his highly anticipated military epic, Battle of Galwan. Apoorva Lakhia's film pays homage to the Indian soldiers that fought in the June 2020 fight in the Galwan Valley. The makers have also announced a theatrical release date of April 17, 2026, alongside the first teaser.
Atmospheric visuals
In the opening minutes of the minute-and-eleven-second teaser, we see wide vistas from above the Galwan Valley's rocky, mountainous landscape. The graphics portray a frigid, unforgiving world, highlighted by a series of forceful mantras, including "Birsa Munda Ki Jai", "Bajrang Bali Ki Jai", and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".
Salman Khan is introduced in the role of an Indian Army officer—reportedly inspired by Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu. A scar on his cheek and an expression of concentration and self-control give him a worn appearance. The teaser focuses on the physical toll of high-altitude fighting and the quiet authority of the protagonist, which is different from the usual high-octane action trailers. Khan holds a wooden stick firmly as soldiers charge in the backdrop in the video's last portion, which ends with the dialogue: "Why be afraid of death? It is bound to come."
Ensemble supporting cast
The film features Chitrangada Singh in the lead female role, marking her first onscreen collaboration with Salman Khan. The supporting cast consists of Vipin Bhardwaj, Ankur Bhatia, Zeyn Shaw, Heera Sohall, and Abhilash Chaudhary.
Battle of Galwan strives for a brutal and realistic portrayal of the 2020 battle. Himesh Reshammiya's powerful, rhythmic arrangements of the background score complement the raw atmosphere. The teaser also features vocals by Stebin Ben, whose frantic yet melodious music serves as the video's emotional foundation.
Impact on Bollywood calendar
The revelation of the April 17, 2026, release date has already created alterations in the Bollywood release calendar. Reports claim that Yash Raj Films has opted to postpone the release of Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, to avoid a direct box office conflict with Battle of Galwan.
The makers have decided to postpone the release until April to avoid competing with other big titles like Dhurandhar 2 during the Eid holiday. Battle of Galwan is positioned as a significant departure for Khan, focusing on a historical military event and a more realistic, character-driven performance.
Battle of Galwan FAQs:
Q: What is the release date of Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan?
A: The official release date for Battle of Galwan is April 17, 2026. The date was confirmed by the makers along with the teaser launch on December 27, 2025, to mark Salman Khan’s 60th birthday.
Q: Is Battle of Galwan based on a true story?
A: Yes, Battle of Galwan is based on the real-life Galwan Valley clash that occurred in June 2020 between Indian and Chinese troops.
Q: Who is the director of Battle of Galwan?
A: Battle of Galwan is directed by Apoorva Lakhia, known for his work on gritty action and crime dramas.