120 Bahadur is not just another war film — it is a stirring cinematic tribute to one of India’s most extraordinary and lesser-known acts of bravery. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, the film released in theatres on 21 November and stars Farhan Akhtar, Ajinkya Deo, Eijaz Khan, Sparsh Walia, and Vivan Bhatena in pivotal roles.
This war drama revisits the battle of Rezang La (1962), a story of 120 soldiers who stood their ground despite impossible odds and freezing Himalayan conditions. The film succeeds in bringing this forgotten chapter back into mainstream memory — not with spectacle, but with sincerity.
A War Story Told with Restraint, Honour, and Heart
Unlike many modern war films that rely on heavy visual effects or exaggerated drama, 120 Bahadur opts for a linear, grounded narrative. The film avoids over-the-top twists, instead choosing to stay true to the events that unfolded during one of India’s greatest last-stand battles.
The war sequences feel brutally real — the bone-chilling cold, the suffocating silence of the mountains, and the harsh conditions under which the soldiers fought. As the battle intensifies, the film captures not just the external struggle, but also the inner resolve of the men who refused to retreat.
A striking aspect is the revelation that the Chinese Army attempted to erase evidence of Rezang La after suffering heavy losses — a detail that adds even more weight to the story being retold on screen. The fact that this took place soon after a ceasefire announcement makes their sacrifice even more heartbreaking.
Farhan Akhtar Leads a Stellar Ensemble with Quiet Strength
Farhan Akhtar delivers one of his most restrained and emotionally resonant performances. He embodies leadership, calm, vulnerability, and courage — the kind of portrayal that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
The supporting cast enhances the emotional depth of the film. Ajinkya Deo, Eijaz Khan, Sparsh Walia, and Vivan Bhatena bring authenticity to their roles, making the camaraderie and brotherhood among the soldiers feel genuine and lived-in.
Crisp Runtime, Lasting Impact
At 137 minutes, 120 Bahadur maintains a tight pace. It does not drag, nor does it rush through important moments. The film closes on a quiet yet deeply moving note, reminding the audience of the sacrifices that shaped India’s military history.
This is not a loud war epic — it is a dignified salute to bravery, making it one of the most compelling additions to the Hindi war-film genre.
