In a rare and powerful display of professional courtesy, Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Aditya Chopra have officially vacated the high-profile release date of April 17, 2026. This move clears the path for the “Bhaijaan” of Bollywood, Salman Khan, whose patriotic epic Battle of Galwan will now take that slot.
The announcement coincided with Salman Khan’s 60th birthday celebrations today, December 27, 2025. To mark the occasion, Salman Khan Films (SKF) unveiled a heart-pounding teaser that showcases the superstar in one of his most grounded and intense roles to date. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is a tribute to the legendary bravery of the Indian Army during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
The scheduling shift highlights the deep-rooted bond between Aditya Chopra and Salman Khan. Earlier this year, Salman Khan voluntarily vacated the Eid 2026 (March 19) window—a slot he has practically owned for over a decade. He stepped aside to allow Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2 a solo release, thereby avoiding a massive box-office collision.
In return, Aditya Chopra has now stood by Salman. YRF’s highly anticipated female-led spy thriller Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, was originally eyeing the April 17th window. However, as soon as YRF learned that Salman was ready with Battle of Galwan, they immediately pushed Alpha further into the year.
“Aditya Chopra recognizes Salman’s selfless gesture for Dhurandhar 2,” a senior trade analyst noted. “Vacating the April 17th slot for Battle of Galwan is a testament to the respect these titans share. It ensures both films get the theatrical breathing room they deserve.”
The teaser, which runs for 72 seconds, introduces Salman Khan as Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu (Mahavir Chakra). As the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, Colonel Babu led his troops with unparalleled courage during the high-altitude confrontation with Chinese forces in Eastern Ladakh.
The visuals capture the harsh, unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas. Salman’s portrayal appears weathered and restrained, focusing more on the tactical authority and emotional weight of a leader than on typical cinematic flourishes.
While fans of the YRF Spy Universe might be disappointed by the delay, the move is also practical. Alpha is currently in an intense post-production stage. Given the high-scale action and extensive VFX required for the sixth installment of the franchise, the creative team requires a few more months to achieve the world-class polish associated with YRF.
YRF is expected to assess the industry’s release calendar for late 2026 before announcing a new date for the Alia Bhatt-starrer. Industry insiders suggest a late August or October window might be the next target for the spy thriller.
Battle of Galwan is more than just a movie; it is a salute to the ultimate sacrifice. The film meticulously recreates the events of June 15, 2020. Salman Khan’s embodiment of Colonel Santosh Babu aims to bring the story of the “Bihar Regiment” to every household in India.
Co-starring Chitrangada Singh in a pivotal role, the movie promises to balance the visceral reality of hand-to-hand combat with the profound emotional toll such conflicts take on military families. Director Apoorva Lakhia, known for his work on Shootout at Lokhandwala, has reportedly spent months researching the engagement to ensure technical and historical accuracy.
With Battle of Galwan locked for April 2026, Salman Khan’s schedule for the next 18 months looks formidable. After wrapping up the promotional blitz for his current release Sikandar, the actor is expected to dive into the final leg of the Galwan promotional campaign.
The industry now waits for the full-length trailer, which is rumoured to drop on Republic Day 2026. As the “Icon of Eid” transitions into a “Patriotic Powerhouse,” Battle of Galwan stands as a defining project in the superstar’s illustrious career.
