Salman Khan Eyes Eid 2026 for “Battle of Galwan”: Can He Reclaim His Box Office Crown?

For over a decade, Eid in India has been synonymous with the release of a Salman Khan blockbuster. The superstar cultivated this tradition into a box office ritual, turning the festive weekend into a guaranteed celebration for his fans and distributors alike. However, the landscape is shifting. The era of the “automatic Eid hit” appears to be waning, and as Salman Khan plans his next move, all eyes are on whether he can stage a triumphant return to his coveted slot in 2026.

The Evolving Eid Equation: From Guaranteed Hit to Decent Performer

The cracks in the invincible Eid façade have been showing. His 2023 Eid release, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, was met with a tepid response, failing to ignite the box office as his films once reliably did. More recently, the much-hyped action entertainer Sikandar, which released on March 30, 2025, also fell short of the blockbuster numbers expected from a Salman Khan Eid event. While both films minted decent amounts, “decent” is a far cry from the earth-shattering openings and record-breaking runs that defined his prime.

This trend underscores a new reality: today’s audience is more discerning. A festive date and a star’s presence are no longer enough; the content itself must be king.

“Battle of Galwan”: The Contender for Eid 2026

Amid this backdrop, the industry is abuzz with speculation that Salman Khan is aiming to return to his roots with one of his most ambitious projects to date—the war drama “Battle of Galwan.”

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is based on the real-life, brutal clash of June 15, 2020, when a heavily outnumbered contingent of around 200 Indian soldiers from the 16th Bihar Regiment valiantly faced off against an estimated 1,200 troops of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Galwan Valley. The project, backed by Salman Khan Films, has been generating significant buzz since its announcement, touted as a large-scale, patriotic spectacle.

With the shoot now in its final stages, conversations around its release strategy have intensified.

The Release Date Chessboard

Initially, industry insiders speculated a June 2026 release for Battle of Galwan, aligning with the anniversary of the actual event and navigating a crowded early-year lineup. However, fresh reports from trade analysts, including a detailed piece by Bollywood Hungama, suggest a change of plans.

Salman Khan is reportedly reconsidering and is now keen on a grand Eid 2026 release. This strategic pivot may have been facilitated by a shift in the release calendar—specifically, the postponement of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor. This move has potentially opened up the coveted festive window, allowing Salman to reclaim his traditional territory.

The current Eid 2026 landscape includes two major contenders:

• Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups

• Ajay Devgn’s Dhamaal 4

However, the release chessboard is fluid. Rumours persist that Toxic might face delays due to its extensive production scale. If that happens, it could set the stage for a direct clash between Salman’s patriotic war drama and Ajay Devgn’s comedy franchise—a classic case of two contrasting genres battling for the same audience.

A Closer Look at “Battle of Galwan”

The film promises to be a powerful tribute to the bravery of the Indian Army. Salman Khan steps into the boots of the martyred hero, Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who led his troops in the fateful encounter. The cast also features Chitrangda Singh as the leading lady, alongside Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, and Abhilash Chaudhary in pivotal supporting roles.

With its potent combination of national pride, high-octane action, and Salman Khan in a uniformed avatar that has historically resonated with his fanbase, Battle of Galwan has all the ingredients of a major cinematic event.

The Final Verdict

The question is no longer just about a release date; it’s about legacy and resurgence. By positioning Battle of Galwan for Eid 2026, Salman Khan is not just scheduling a movie—he is making a statement. He is betting on a story of national importance and raw emotion to win back the audience’s unwavering faith. If the film delivers on its promise, Eid 2026 could mark the powerful resurgence of the Salman Khan box office phenomenon. But if it stumbles, it could signal a more permanent shift in the Bollywood hierarchy, proving that even the most enduring traditions must eventually bow to the power of compelling content.

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