If you’re a fan of Bollywood action dramas, you’ve probably heard of Apoorva Lakhia. Remember the gritty, high-tension shootouts of Shootout at Lokhandwala? Yeah, that was his work. After being away from the limelight for a while, Lakhia is making a powerful comeback—and this time, he’s teaming up with none other than Salman Khan.
Their new movie, Battle of Galwan, is already creating a buzz—and for all the right reasons. It’s based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, one of the most emotional and intense real-life military events in recent Indian history.
Let’s dive into who Apoorva Lakhia is, why this movie matters, and what you can expect from this big-screen retelling of bravery and sacrifice.
Apoorva Lakhia: A Quick Look at His Journey
Born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Lakhia didn’t start off in the director’s chair. He worked behind the scenes first, assisting on films like Lagaan and even some Hollywood productions such as The Ice Storm and A Perfect Murder. That international exposure shaped his unique style—bold, fast-paced, and real.
His Filmography Includes:
- Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost (2003): His directorial debut. Not a big hit, but it got him noticed.
- Ek Ajnabee (2005): A revenge thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan.
- Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007): The film that made him famous. A brutal, stylish crime drama based on real events.
- Mission Istanbul (2008) & Zanjeer (2013): Commercial action flicks, but didn’t do great at the box office.
- Haseena Parkar (2017): A biopic on Dawood Ibrahim’s sister, played by Shraddha Kapoor.
While not all of his films were hits, Lakhia has always been known for tackling real-life stories with an unapologetically raw style.
The Big Comeback: Battle of Galwan
Let’s talk about Battle of Galwan. This isn’t just another war film. It’s a tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh.
What makes it even more special? Salman Khan is playing Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, the commanding officer who led from the front and made the ultimate sacrifice. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, one of India’s highest gallantry awards.
Here’s What We Know About the Movie:
- Director: Apoorva Lakhia
- Lead Actor: Salman Khan
- Story: Based on the deadly hand-to-hand combat in Galwan, where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred.
- Female Lead: Reportedly Chitrangda Singh
- Locations: Ladakh and Mumbai
- Music: Rumored to be by Himesh Reshammiya
- Shooting Start Date: July 2025
- Expected Release: 2026, likely on Republic Day or Independence Day
Salman Khan Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before
We’ve seen Salman do action, drama, romance—even dance in towel songs. But this time, he’s taking on something entirely different: a real-life hero.
To get into the role, Salman is said to be:
- Going through low-oxygen training to prepare for high-altitude shooting in Ladakh.
- Sporting a military-style crew cut.
- Working on a more grounded, emotional performance.
This isn’t a larger-than-life Dabangg avatar. This is real, raw, and deeply patriotic.
Why Apoorva Lakhia Is the Right Choice
You might be wondering—why Apoorva Lakhia for a film like this?
The answer is simple. He knows how to tell gritty, real-world stories. He’s proven that with Shootout at Lokhandwala and Haseena Parkar. He doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. And with a story as important as Galwan, you need a director who can handle the emotion, the action, and the realism.
Why Battle of Galwan Matters
The Galwan Valley clash was unlike any other in modern military history. Soldiers fought without guns, due to bilateral agreements. They used stones, rods, and bare hands—yet stood firm to protect Indian soil.
It wasn’t just a fight. It was an act of courage, sacrifice, and duty.
Telling this story on screen will:
- Honor the fallen soldiers.
- Educate millions who still don’t know what happened that night.
- Bring a sense of pride and unity to audiences.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are already excited, especially after seeing Salman’s new rugged look. Social media is full of comments like:
- “Finally a movie that shows real Indian heroes.”
- “Apoorva Lakhia and Salman Khan? This is going to be intense.”
- “We need more films like this—no masala, just truth.”
Final Thoughts
Apoorva Lakhia’s Battle of Galwan is not just another war movie. It’s a statement, a tribute, and a reminder of what real heroism looks like. And with Salman Khan stepping into the boots of a real-life war hero, expectations are sky-high.
So whether you’re a Bollywood fan, a patriot, or just someone who loves meaningful cinema, this film is one to watch out for in 2025-26.
Stay tuned—this is going to be epic.
