Salman Khan’s war drama Battle Of Galwan is expected to move from its April 17 slot, with industry reports indicating a new theatrical release on August 14, 2026. The shift is planned to tap into Independence Day audiences, as the film draws on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and carries a strong patriotic tone.
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, has not yet received an official release update from the producers. However, Bollywood Hungama reports that internal discussions favour the August date. The outlet cites sources who say the team believes the Independence Day period gives the film a more powerful context with viewers across India.
Battle Of Galwan release date shift and Independence Day timing
According to Bollywood Hungama, a source linked to the project explained the reasoning behind the likely change. The source said, “Battle Of Galwan has indeed been postponed and it’ll now release on August 14, 2026. Salman Khan and the makers are of the opinion that it would be a better date since India’s Independence Day falls on August 15. The patriotic sentiment will be at an all-time high and Battle Of Galwan would be an ideal flick to watch in this period.” The source also indicated that an announcement from the makers is expected after key production stages finish.
The reported delay also reflects practical constraints, as filming has not yet concluded. Reshoots are taking longer than initially scheduled, which makes the April 17 deadline harder to meet. A source told the portal, “From Monday, February 9, a one-week schedule will commence in the Golden Tobacco Factory in Mumbai. After this schedule gets over, a few more days of shooting are left and by February-end, it’ll be a wrap,” offering a clear picture of the remaining work.
Industry trackers point out that the change in timing has implications for the box office calendar as well. Battle Of Galwan, if it arrives on August 14, 2026, will enter the extended Independence Day weekend. That frame already features Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla, setting up a major clash between two big Hindi films targeting holiday crowds.
Post-production demands are another reason for the push, as described by the same source. The source added, “And that’s not all. As per the rules, Battle Of Galwan needs to be shown to the Ministry of Defence and this process might also take time. Due to these two reasons, the makers feel that they would not be able to meet the April 17 deadline. Salman Khan is clear that such a special, patriotic film needs to be nurtured well. He has told the team of the film that they should not rush through the process and take their time in ensuring that the final product looks appealing, compelling and cinematic,” pointing to both regulatory and creative checks.
Battle Of Galwan release date, story background and production details
Once filming ends, Apoorva Lakhia is expected to focus on editing the newly shot material. The reshaped cut then goes before the Ministry of Defence for mandatory clearance, given the film’s military subject. These steps, combined with the remaining shoot in Mumbai, mean the tight April schedule is no longer realistic for the team.
Battle Of Galwan adapts the book India’s Most Fearless 3 and revisits the deadly June 2020 confrontation in Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese forces. The script highlights that no firearms were used, as soldiers fought with stones and improvised weapons. This focus on hand-to-hand combat aims to underline the intense human cost of the border clash.
Salman Khan plays a seasoned soldier in a rugged, battle-scarred look, according to early descriptions. Chitrangada Singh has a central role, though character details are still under wraps. With its retelling of a recent conflict and emphasis on the courage of Indian troops, the film is positioned as a large-scale tribute to the armed forces, timed around Independence Day for maximum thematic impact.