Salman Khan to play Galwan hero Colonel Santosh Babu in upcoming patriotic film

KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is gearing up for one of the most emotionally and physically demanding roles of his career. In his upcoming film, Salman will portray Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, the Indian Army officer who was martyred during the Galwan Valley clash with Chinese troops in 2020.

The yet-untitled project is being directed by Apoorva Lakhia, known for his realistic storytelling and past works centered around nationalism and security forces. This film is expected to be a significant milestone in Salman Khan’s career, moving away from his traditional action-hero persona to a more grounded, real-life narrative.

A Shift in Genre: From Fictional Hero to Real-Life Martyr

 Film Genre: Patriotic Biopic / Military Drama

 Lead Actor: Salman Khan
 Director: Apoorva Lakhia
 Shooting Location: Leh, Ladakh
 Scheduled Shooting Start: July 2025
 Expected Release: Mid-2026

This film will chronicle the life, military service, and martyrdom of Colonel Santosh Babu, who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending India‘s sovereignty during the violent clash in Galwan Valley. The film’s narrative aims to offer an authentic portrayal of military valor, discipline, and national pride.

Salman Khan’s Role Preparation: Physical and Mental Conditioning

 Physical Training:

To convincingly portray an Indian Army officer, Salman is undergoing rigorous physical training, focusing on:

• High-altitude endurance workouts

• Combat fitness regimes

• Realistic military drills

 Mental Preparation:

Apart from the physical aspect, Salman is also engaged in psychological preparation, immersing himself in:

• Understanding the army life and battlefield ethics

• Studying Colonel Santosh Babu’s personal and professional history

• Working closely with army consultants to internalize the role

Training for Extreme Conditions: Leh’s Harsh Terrain

Given that most of the film’s shooting will take place in high-altitude locations like Leh, where oxygen levels are considerably low, Salman is undergoing acclimatization training in controlled environments. This includes:

• Breathing exercises under simulated high-altitude conditions

• Low-oxygen physical drills

• Cardiovascular and muscle endurance training

A production team member revealed:

“Salman is taking this role very seriously. He’s not just acting — he’s transforming himself physically and emotionally.”

Why This Film Matters: National Sentiment Meets Cinema

About Colonel Santosh Babu:

• Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment

• Martyred on June 15, 2020, in the Galwan Valley

• Posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for gallantry

This film is not just a biopic — it’s a tribute to the armed forces and aims to inspire youth about sacrifice, patriotism, and national duty.

Collaboration with Apoorva Lakhia: A Strategic Choice

Director Apoorva Lakhia, known for movies like Shootout at Lokhandwala and Mission Istanbul, brings his expertise in intense, realistic storytelling to this project. His choice as director ensures:

• A balanced narrative with action and emotion

• Authentic depiction of military operations

• Realistic character development without overdramatization

Jio Studios in Talks for Production Partnership

The production is reportedly being backed by Jio Studios, though an official confirmation is awaited. The partnership with a major studio points to:

• High production value

• Wide theatrical release across India and overseas

• Strong promotional and distribution network

Anticipated Release and Audience Expectations

The film is scheduled to begin principal photography in July 2025 and is tentatively slated for a mid-2026 theatrical release. Given the nationalist theme and Salman Khan’s wide fanbase, trade experts believe the film could:

• Be a box office success if content matches the intent

• Resonate with both urban and rural audiences

• Perform well during national holidays or Republic Day weekends

Public Buzz and Fan Reactions

Early reactions on social media suggest that fans are excited about this drastic image shift. Many are calling it a “bold move” and an opportunity for Salman to showcase his acting depth beyond action and entertainment.

A Twitter user wrote:

“Finally a Salman Khan film that’s more than just action and swag. Can’t wait to see him in a role with real meaning.”

Why It Could Be a Turning Point in Salman’s Career

While Salman’s previous film Sikandar failed to impress at the box office, this project may revive his critical standing in the industry.

Film analysts believe:

• If executed well, this could be Salman’s most respected performance to date

• It could open doors for more realistic roles in his later career

• The film has potential to become part of India’s cinematic memory on national defense

Potential Challenges for the Film

Despite the positive outlook, a few challenges remain:

• Getting the tone of patriotism right without turning it into propaganda

• Maintaining accuracy and sensitivity around a real martyr’s story

• Managing logistical issues during shooting in high-risk zones like Leh

However, with Salman’s dedication and Apoorva Lakhia’s experience, the makers seem prepared for the task.

This upcoming film is more than just another entry in Salman Khan’s filmography. It’s a tribute to courage, a reflection on sacrifice, and a testament to evolving storytelling in mainstream Hindi cinema.

If crafted with care and authenticity, the biopic on Colonel Santosh Babu could become a milestone in both Salman Khan’s career and Indian patriotic cinema.

KKNLive will continue to provide regular updates on the shooting schedule, casting announcements, and release strategies for this high-stakes cinematic tribute to India’s fallen hero.

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