Superstar Salman Khan is set to deliver a massive treat for his fans on his 60th birthday, December 27, 2025. On this special day, the makers of his highly anticipated war drama, Battle of Galwan, will officially unveil the film’s first look, marking the start of the promotional campaign for the tribute film. The movie, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is a salute to the bravery and ultimate sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.
This cinematic unveiling is expected to be an intense affair. Sources suggest the first look will focus more on establishing the film’s gritty visual language and the atmosphere of the high-altitude conflict rather than being a typical action trailer. The timing ensures the film, which has recently wrapped up shooting, captures maximum media attention during the busy holiday season.
In a role that signifies a major departure from his recent action-comedy fare, Salman Khan will be seen embodying the role of Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu (Mahavir Chakra). Colonel Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, led his men with exceptional valour during the deadly skirmish in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, ultimately laying down his life for the nation.
Khan’s decision to portray this national hero highlights the film’s serious and patriotic intent. The actor himself has acknowledged the physical demands of the role, noting that the project required intensive training and dedication to authentically capture the essence of a real-life military officer operating under extreme conditions.
The film, reportedly based on a chapter from the non-fiction book India’s Most Fearless 3, seeks to give audiences a visceral understanding of one of the most brutal battles fought without a single bullet being fired in decades.
Battle of Galwan is directed by Apoorva Lakhia, known for his sharp handling of action and true-to-life dramas like Shootout at Lokhandwala. Lakhia’s direction is expected to bring a raw and authentic tone to the war drama, moving away from typical Bollywood jingoism to focus on the human element of the conflict.
The cast also includes actress Chitrangada Singh in a pivotal role. Singh has previously expressed her personal connection to the project, given her army background, and conveyed her immense pride in finally collaborating with Salman Khan on such a significant story. Their pairing adds depth to the narrative, which explores the personal sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families. Other notable cast members reportedly include Zeyn Shaw and Ankur Bhatia.
The film’s shooting schedule was successfully completed recently, with much of the principal photography taking place in the challenging, real-world terrain of Ladakh to maintain visual authenticity. The project is now fully immersed in post-production, preparing for its massive promotional rollout.
The decision to launch the first look on December 27 is a masterful strategic move by the producers, including Salman Khan Films. The actor’s birthday traditionally serves as a major annual event in the Indian media cycle, guaranteeing maximum visibility and fanfare, thereby maximizing the film’s initial traction and recall value.
While the official release date for Battle of Galwan remains 2026, many sources are suggesting the film could target the Eid 2026 slot, capitalizing on Salman Khan’s traditional box office dominance during that holiday period. This highly anticipated war drama is positioned to be a major box office contender, riding on both nationalistic sentiment and the superstar’s massive fan following.
The birthday unveiling will not only serve as a gift to Salman Khan’s fans but also as a powerful and emotional introduction to a film that honours the sacrifices made for the country.
