KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood megastar Salman Khan is set to return to the silver screen with a gripping war drama based on one of India’s most intense modern military confrontations — the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020. The film, based on the real-life story of Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, promises to be an emotionally charged and patriotic cinematic experience.

The project draws inspiration from the best-selling non-fiction book “India’s Most Fearless 3”, authored by prominent defense journalists Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The first chapter of the book, titled “I Have Never Seen Such a Fierce Battle – The Galwan Clash, June 2020”, forms the backbone of the film’s plot.

Film to Chronicle the Real-Life Bravery of Colonel Santosh Babu

Who Was Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu?

Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu was the Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, known for his valor and leadership during the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Ladakh, on 14 June 2020. The clash resulted in casualties on both sides and marked one of the most serious escalations between India and China in recent decades.

Colonel Babu was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, for his exceptional bravery, leadership, and service to the nation.

Salman Khan will portray this heroic officer on screen — a significant departure from his usual roles and a testament to the seriousness of the subject matter.

Based on “India’s Most Fearless 3”: From Page to Screen

The upcoming film is an adaptation of the third installment of the celebrated military non-fiction series “India’s Most Fearless”, which details real operations by the Indian Armed Forces.

This particular chapter, focusing on the Galwan Valley battle, captures first-hand accounts from soldiers, strategic insights, and untold narratives of the night when Colonel Babu led his troops into one of the most difficult terrains and situations faced by Indian soldiers in recent history.

By bringing this story to cinema, the filmmakers aim to honor the legacy of Indian soldiers and educate the audience about their courage and sacrifice.

Directed by Apurva Lakhia: A Gritty War Drama in the Making

The film will be directed by Apurva Lakhia, known for his work in action and thriller genres such as Shootout at Lokhandwala and Haseena Parkar. His cinematic style, which blends real-life inspiration with high-impact visuals, makes him an ideal choice for such a sensitive and serious subject.

Writing Team

The screenplay is being developed by a team of experienced writers:

• Suresh Nair

• Chintan Gandhi

• Chintan Shah

Together, this team is working to ensure factual accuracy, emotional depth, and cinematic engagement, making the story accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Salman Khan’s Commitment: Preparing for a Demanding Role

According to sources close to the production, Salman Khan was deeply moved by the story of Colonel Babu. He immediately agreed to the project after hearing the script outline.

The actor is currently in physical training mode at his Panvel farmhouse, preparing to embody a military officer’s physique and demeanor authentically. His transformation will be essential, considering the film’s focus on realism and military authenticity.

Filming Locations: Mumbai and Ladakh

Shooting Timeline

The principal photography for the film is set to begin in July 2025. Shooting will primarily take place in Mumbai for indoor sequences, and Ladakh will serve as the main backdrop for battlefield scenes, particularly those recreating the Galwan Valley landscape.

The filmmakers plan to capture the harsh terrain, high-altitude challenges, and natural beauty of Ladakh to reflect the setting accurately. The location selection is also symbolic — staying true to the actual site of the real-life battle.

An Emotional and Patriotic Undertaking

Salman Khan’s new project will not be just another war movie — it aims to depict the human side of conflict, the psychological strength of Indian soldiers, and the emotional sacrifices of families left behind.

The film is expected to explore:

• Colonel Babu’s personal life and sense of duty

• The geopolitical tension leading to the clash

• Moments of heroism and leadership on the battlefield

• The aftermath of the confrontation, including national response

This balanced perspective seeks to educate, engage, and inspire the audience without sensationalizing the tragedy.

India-China Clash: A Sensitive Subject for Indian Cinema

The Galwan Valley clash remains one of the most delicate topics in recent Indian defense history. While several documentaries and discussions have addressed the issue, this marks one of the first full-scale cinematic portrayals.

Handling such content requires extensive research, diplomatic awareness, and emotional sensitivity — all of which the creative team claims to be prioritizing.

Audience Expectations and National Sentiment

Fans and defense watchers alike are eager to see how Indian cinema handles a story of national pride and pain. Salman Khan’s involvement brings star power, but the narrative must live up to the weight of its subject.

Online polls and forums reflect growing excitement around the film, especially among:

• Armed forces supporters

• Patriotic cinema audiences

• Fans of Salman Khan’s more serious roles

• Younger viewers seeking real-life inspirational content

Potential Release and Distribution

Though an official release date has not been announced, the film is expected to hit theaters in early to mid-2026. Given the nature of the film and its patriotic theme, it is likely to be released around Republic Day or Independence Day, both of which are significant for nationalistic storytelling.

The movie may also see:

• Multilingual release (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil)

• Global distribution focusing on Indian diaspora

• OTT release after theatrical run

A Landmark Moment in Salman Khan’s Career

A Move Toward Responsible Cinema

While Salman Khan is primarily known for high-octane commercial entertainers, this project signals a mature shift toward real-life inspired, performance-driven roles. With this film, he joins the ranks of actors like Akshay Kumar and Vicky Kaushal who have portrayed armed forces heroes with conviction.

For Salman, playing Colonel Babu is not just a role — it’s a tribute to India’s armed forces.

The upcoming movie starring Salman Khan as Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu is more than a film — it’s a national narrative. Rooted in courage, sacrifice, and realism, it promises to be a milestone in patriotic Indian cinema.

With a solid production team, a powerful lead actor, and a story that resonates with millions, this project has all the makings of a blockbuster with purpose. As audiences await its release, one thing is clear: this is a story that must be told — and remembered.