As social media buzzes with Salman Khan’s intense new look from Battle of Galwan, another film based on the same tragic real-life conflict has stealthily been released on YouTube — and its journey has been far from glamorous. Directed by Nitin Kumar Gupta, LAC: Battle of Galwan was originally planned for a theatrical release, but ran into a long, painful fight of its own — this time not at the borders, but with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The Long Road to Release
Nitin Kumar Gupta shared that he initially intended to release LAC: Battle of Galwan in cinemas back in 2023. The film began production in November 2020 and was completed after more than two years of work. In June 2022, it was formally submitted to the CBFC for certification.
However, the real battle began there.
In August 2022, a screening was finally held for the board, followed by a series of suggested edits in September. According to Gupta, the CBFC demanded major changes — including the removal of “LAC” from the title, eliminating references to real locations, reducing scenes of violence by 33%, and most painfully, cutting out images of 20 real-life soldiers who were martyred in the Galwan clash from the end credits.
Despite complying with the suggested edits, Gupta says he resubmitted the modified version in September 2022 — and never heard back.
Why the Film Was Shifted to YouTube
With no clearance and no communication from CBFC for nearly three years, Gupta says he exhausted all possible options and appeals. Eventually, the film’s digital rights holder Vikram Jadhav — an American citizen — took the final call to release LAC: Battle of Galwan directly on YouTube.
Gupta expressed his disappointment that the film, which was made in memory of real-life heroes, couldn’t be shown in theatres where families of the fallen soldiers could witness their stories on the big screen. Still, he chose to move forward with a digital release rather than let the film remain unseen.
Meanwhile, the Spotlight Is on Salman
Interestingly, this YouTube release comes just as Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan is gaining traction online. The actor is reportedly undergoing rigorous training for the role, and the first look poster has already taken over social media trends.
The contrast between the hype around Salman’s big-budget war film and the quiet, almost buried release of LAC: Battle of Galwan is stark — but perhaps, equally telling. One has star power and studio backing, the other, a raw independent spirit and an uphill climb through India’s bureaucratic maze.
Closing Thoughts
This incident once again highlights the challenges independent filmmakers face in telling sensitive stories — especially those rooted in recent national events. While Bollywood’s big guns prepare to retell the Galwan story with all the cinematic polish and fanfare, Gupta’s film stands as a reminder of the real cost of telling the truth, unsweetened and uncensored. Whether on YouTube or in multiplexes, both films now serve as cultural records — and it’s up to the audience to decide which version resonates more deeply.
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