Salman Khan’s ‘Battle of Galwan’ Leak

New Delhi, January 3, 2026: A sensational video claiming to be “leaked footage” from Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s upcoming film, Battle of Galwan, has taken the internet by storm this week. On January 1, 2026, the clip began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, showing a soldier resembling Khan engaged in a brutal hand-to-hand combat sequence in a snow-clad mountain range. While the “leak” was initially celebrated by fans as a gritty sneak peek, digital experts have quickly intervened to reveal a different reality.

AI Technology vs. Official Production

The viral footage has been officially identified as an AI-generated deepfake rather than an actual breach of the film’s security. It was noted by cybersecurity analysts that the clip was created using advanced algorithms that superimposed Salman Khan’s face onto existing war movie scenes. Technical inconsistencies, such as unnatural lighting on the actor’s face and the presence of heavy snow (which does not align with the actual conditions of the Galwan Valley in June), were cited as the primary “tells” of the fabrication.

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Honoring a Real-Life Hero: Colonel Santosh Babu

Despite the fake leak, the anticipation for the actual film remains at an all-time high. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the movie features Salman Khan in the role of Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the Maha Vir Chakra recipient who led the 16 Bihar Regiment during the 2020 skirmish. The production has been shrouded in extreme secrecy to preserve the impact of the cinematic experience. It was reported that the official teaser, released on the actor’s 60th birthday (December 27, 2025), has already amassed over 60 million views, proving that the audience is eager for the authentic story.

Geopolitical Tension and Cinematic Expression

The film has not only captured the attention of fans but has also sparked international controversy. On December 30, 2025, Chinese state-run media outlets were observed criticizing the movie for “distorting facts” and using cinema to stir nationalistic sentiment. In response, Indian government sources were heard defending the project as a form of artistic expression, citing India’s long tradition of war cinema. The “leak” is being viewed by some as an attempt to capitalize on this heightened tension to drive social media engagement through misinformation.

Waiting for April 17: The Official Release

As 2026 progresses, the production team at Salman Khan Films has urged fans to ignore unofficial clips and wait for the theatrical release. The film, which also stars Chitrangda Singh, is scheduled to hit cinemas on April 17, 2026. It was remarked by industry insiders that “leaks” of this nature are becoming increasingly common for high-stakes projects, but they rarely reflect the quality of the final product. For now, the “Battle of Galwan” remains one of the most anticipated patriotic dramas of the decade, promising a respectful tribute to the Indian Army’s courage.