Confirming our exclusive report from last Sunday, there has been a significant change of plans for the upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan. The production, starring superstar Salman Khan, has officially scrapped its Mumbai schedule and will now kick off its shoot directly in Ladakh. The decision, made by director Apoorva Lakhia and the producers, has led to the cancellation of the city leg for the foreseeable future.
The production team had initially geared up for a massive shoot in August, with an elaborate set constructed at Mehboob Studios in Bandra to film crucial indoor sequences. However, these plans have been abruptly halted, and the film will now commence principal photography in the rugged terrains of Ladakh between August 22 and September 3.
Mumbai Schedule Cancelled Over Continuity Concerns
The last-minute decision to scrap the Mumbai schedule is reportedly a creative one, driven by concerns over continuity. According to an insider close to the project, the primary reason is to maintain the integrity of Salman Khan’s look throughout the film. The makers felt that a 30-day gap between the Mumbai and Ladakh stints would disrupt the visual flow, especially since Salman will be sporting a distinct appearance for his role.
To avoid any inconsistencies, Apoorva Lakhia decided it would be best to shoot the demanding action and outdoor sequences in succession. This ensures that the look and feel of the film remain consistent. As a result, the Bandra set is already in the process of being dismantled. The source mentioned, “It’s a creative decision. The makers want to start directly with the action scenes… Apoorva felt that the sequences would need to be shot in succession.” The team will reassess later if any patchwork or song sequences need to be filmed in Mumbai.
A Story of Bravery, Not Controversy
Battle of Galwan aims to chronicle the heroic story of the Indian soldiers during the military clash that occurred in June 2020. Salman Khan is set to portray the character of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest military decoration, for his extraordinary courage and leadership during the conflict.
Amidst the production changes, some rumors suggested the film had encountered issues with the Ministry of Defence due to its sensitive subject matter. However, a source close to the production has firmly denied these claims. They clarified that the film is a tribute to a soldier’s bravery and does not seek to villainize any country. “The makers wouldn’t have announced the film without permissions in place,” the source stated, emphasizing that the narrative is focused on heroism and patriotism. The team is now channeling all its energy into preparing for the challenging high-altitude schedule in Ladakh.
About Battle Of Galwan
Battle of Galwan is an upcoming Hindi-language war drama directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film stars Salman Khan in the lead role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu and is based on the real-life events of the 2020 India-China clash in the Galwan Valley. It is being mounted as a tribute to the bravery of the Indian armed forces.
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