Bollywood megastar Salman Khan, known for his commanding screen presence and intense roles, is set to headline the upcoming war drama Galwan, inspired by the real-life conflict in the Galwan Valley. While the announcement has stirred excitement among fans, Salman offered a candid update on his preparation journey — admitting that the process is moving slower than expected.
In an exclusive interaction, the Tiger actor opened up about the early stages of getting into character for Galwan, which is being directed by Rajkumar Gupta, known for Raid and India’s Most Wanted. Salman said, “I’ve just started prepping for it. It’s slow. Honestly, I’m not fully feeling it yet. But that’s how it is with me — sometimes I take time to sink into a role.“
The film, a fictionalized account inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, is said to portray the emotional and physical turmoil faced by Indian soldiers. Salman will reportedly play a senior Indian Army officer, a role that demands not just physical transformation but also emotional depth.
When asked about the emotional weight of playing a soldier, Salman replied, “There’s a lot of responsibility when you’re doing something based on real incidents. You can’t take it lightly. We’re still fine-tuning the script, the character, the tone. It’s not an action film just for the sake of action — it’s more personal, more grounded.“
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A Shift in Salman’s Approach
Salman Khan, whose recent films like Tiger 3 and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan leaned heavily on masala entertainment, acknowledged that Galwan marks a tonal shift in his career. “This isn’t your typical hero stuff. It’s raw. It’s emotional. I’ve to approach it differently — more quietly, more seriously,” he shared.
Sources close to the project revealed that the actor is undergoing combat and endurance training, spending long hours with real army officers and defense consultants to better understand military life. However, Salman admitted that the transition hasn’t been easy.
“I’ve been working with army experts, understanding how they think, how they react. It’s intense. But I’m still not 100% there. Some roles you just feel right away — others take time. This one’s the latter,” he said with trademark honesty.
High Expectations and a Patriotic Undertone
With Galwan, Salman Khan enters the increasingly popular patriotic genre that has seen massive box office success in recent years. The expectations are sky-high, not just because of the subject matter, but also due to the actor’s larger-than-life image.
Asked whether the pressure is affecting his process, he laughed, “Pressure toh rehta hi hai. But it’s a different kind of pressure this time — not commercial, more emotional. We want to do justice to the spirit of those who served.“
A 2026 Republic Day Release?
Though the film is still in early production, insiders suggest that the makers are eyeing a Republic Day 2026 release. The timeline aligns with the film’s patriotic theme and gives Salman ample time to immerse himself in the character.
Producer Nikkhil Advani, who is co-producing under his banner Emmay Entertainment, shared in a statement, “We are in no rush. We want Salman to be completely ready, and we want the story to be told right. This isn’t just a film — it’s a tribute.“
Final Word
While Salman Khan might be slow to find his rhythm with Galwan, his honesty only adds to the intrigue surrounding the project. As he navigates the emotional and physical demands of portraying a soldier on screen, fans are hopeful that the superstar will bring yet another impactful performance to the big screen — one that salutes the unsung heroes of the nation.
As Salman himself put it, “Once I feel it, I give it everything. That’s how I work. Let’s see — I think this one will be worth the wait.“