Farhan Akhtar’s much-awaited comeback film, 120 Bahadur, opened in theatres on November 21 and received a warm response from critics, though its Day 1 box office numbers remained modest at Rs 2.35 crore. Despite favorable word-of-mouth, the film saw a slow start at the ticket window, with occupancy gradually rising through the day and peaking at 14.70% during night shows.
Farhan Akhtar Returns After Six Years
The movie marks Farhan Akhtar’s return to acting after six long years, following his last appearance in The Sky is Pink (2019), co-starring Priyanka Chopra. Fans and industry watchers were eager to see him back on screen, especially in a role that demanded intense emotional and physical preparation.
Story Based on the Battle of Rezang La
120 Bahadur narrates the heroic tale of the Battle of Rezang La, one of the Indian Army’s most legendary last-stand battles, fought during the 1962 Indo-China war.
Farhan plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who led 120 soldiers of Charlie Company against thousands of Chinese troops. The film showcases extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, bringing the forgotten chapter of Indian military history back into public memory.
Box Office Performance: Strong Reviews, Slow Start
Even though critics praised Farhan’s performance and the film’s emotional depth, the first-day collections remained below expectations.
Factors contributing to the soft start include:
- A crowded release window with multiple new films
- Limited mass promotion
- The war-drama genre historically performing better on weekends
- Stronger reception in urban centers than small towns on Day 1
Trade analysts expect the film to pick up momentum over the weekend if positive word-of-mouth continues.
Audience Response and Weekend Expectations
Early audience reactions suggest that 120 Bahadur is connecting strongly with viewers who appreciate patriotic dramas rooted in real events. Many praised the film’s emotional climax, powerful dialogues, and Farhan Akhtar’s committed performance. Social media chatter also indicates growing curiosity, especially among younger audiences unfamiliar with the Battle of Rezang La. With positive reviews and increasing footfall during evening shows, the film is expected to witness a significant jump over the weekend, which will be crucial in determining its long-term box office trajectory.
