This upcoming film marks a significant and emotionally charged project for Salman Khan, as he steps into the shoes of Colonel B. Santosh Babu, a decorated and revered Army officer who was martyred during the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. The movie, inspired by the book India’s Most Fearless 3 by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh, aims to portray the raw courage and leadership of Colonel Babu during one of the most intense military standoffs in recent Indian history.
Key Highlights of the Project:
- Lead Role: Salman Khan as Colonel B. Santosh Babu
- Based On: India’s Most Fearless 3 (non-fiction war accounts)
- Writers: Suresh Nair, Chintan Gandhi, Chintan Shah
- Director: Apoorva Lakhia (known for gritty narratives like Shootout at Lokhandwala)
- Shoot Locations: Ladakh and Mumbai
- Schedule: 70-day shoot starting July 2025
- Genre: Patriotic, military-action drama
- Current Status: Pre-production
Why It’s Significant:
- This film will serve as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly the 16 Bihar Regiment and Colonel Babu’s leadership.
- It’s a departure from commercial action roles for Salman and enters a more realistic, grounded portrayal of a national hero.
- It reflects a growing trend in Bollywood where true stories of military valor are brought to the forefront, connecting deeply with audiences and national sentiment.
Public Reaction:
Initial social media and public reactions seem positive, with many expressing pride and anticipation. The choice of Salman, a mass entertainer, to portray such a serious real-life figure has raised both curiosity and expectation.
Background on Colonel B. Santosh Babu:
- Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Regiment.
- Led Indian soldiers during the Galwan clash against Chinese troops in June 2020.
- Posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery.
This project could serve as a defining moment in Salman Khan’s filmography—shifting from stylized action heroes to portraying real-life valor with emotional depth. The success of this film could also pave the way for more cinematic adaptations of modern-day military heroism.
