Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla defended Salman Khan against online criticism of a smile in the 'Battle of Galwan' teaser. Poonawalla argued the expression signifies composure, calm aggression, and a soldier's mental preparedness for battle, not levity. He cited the film's dialogue, which suggests that for a soldier, both victory and sacrifice are forms of triumph, emphasizing a mindset devoid of fear. The film, based on the 2020 India-China clash, is set for an April 2026 release.