‘120 Bahadur’, which premiered in theaters on November 21, 2025, attempts to bring to light a significant but lesser-known true event from the 1962 India-China war. Directed by Rajneesh ‘Reggie’ Ghosh and produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, the film aims to pay homage to the 120 Indian soldiers who bravely defended the Rezang La post against an overwhelming force of approximately 3,000 Chinese soldiers. While the filmmakers’ intentions are undeniably noble, the cinematic execution often falls short of the powerful narrative it seeks to tell.
The core story revolves around Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, played by Farhan Akhtar, who commands this small contingent of soldiers. The plot inherently possesses immense strength, depicting the harsh conditions, limited resources, and relentless pressure faced by the Indian forces. However, the film struggles to translate this dramatic potential into consistently deep emotional resonance. There are moments when the gravity of the situation is clear, but the emotional impact is frequently explained rather than viscerally felt by the audience.
Farhan Akhtar makes his return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus in the lead role. His presence is adequate, yet his portrayal of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati often lacks the full emotional depth required for such a heroic figure. In several crucial scenes, his expression appears fatigued, which clashes with the intensity of his character. Additionally, his dialogue delivery sometimes feels subdued, failing to ignite the profound sense of patriotism that such a war drama demands. This is a common pitfall noted in a genre often relying on similar narrative flows.
The supporting cast delivers mixed performances. Raashii Khanna has a limited role and performs competently, but her on-screen chemistry and emotional connection with Akhtar are notably absent. Vivan Bhatena, playing Jamadar Surja Ram, distinguishes himself with a strong vocal presence and impactful dialogue delivery. Eijaz Khan provides a believable portrayal as the commanding officer. Other actors, including Sparsh Walia, Ankit Siwach, Digvijay Pratap, Devendra Ahirwar, and Freddy Chan, contribute to the ensemble, striving to create an authentic atmosphere among the soldiers.
Rajneesh ‘Reggie’ Ghosh’s direction demonstrates a clear ambition to present the story on a grand scale with emotional resonance. While some scenes are effective, the overall direction lacks consistent impact. The film often feels like it’s trying to evoke the spirit of classic war films like ‘Border’ but falls short of reaching that benchmark. Instead of letting emotions unfold naturally, the narrative often explicitly tells the audience what to feel.
The screenplay, penned by Sumit Arora and Rajiv G. Menon, is inconsistent in pace, oscillating between fast and slow segments. The opening sequences feel familiar, echoing numerous war films seen before. While interactions among soldiers and debates between officers are present, they frequently lack the necessary punch to be truly effective. The inclusion of sudden backstories for various characters disrupts the narrative flow. This is compounded by editing that occasionally feels rushed, diminishing the impact of potentially powerful scenes.
Technically, ‘120 Bahadur’ presents a mixed bag. Some action sequences generate a degree of tension, but the visual effects are not always convincing; at times, the setting clearly appears to be a filmed set rather than a genuine battlefield. The constant sense of fear or urgency typically associated with war films is not sustained throughout. The film’s music is average, with forgettable songs and a background score that merely accompanies the visuals without truly enhancing the story or driving the narrative forward.
Despite these shortcomings, ‘120 Bahadur’ does have its commendable aspects. The locations and overall production design are well-executed, with wide shots of the Rezang La post particularly standing out on screen. Moments highlighting the soldiers’ sense of duty and unity are genuinely moving. The most significant positive is the film’s admirable attempt to shed light on the true battle of Rezang La, an important historical event that remains relatively unknown to many.
Ultimately, ‘120 Bahadur’ is a respectful endeavor to honor the bravery of the Indian Army, earning a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. However, its presentation does not consistently match the magnitude of its subject matter. Those with a specific interest in history or this particular event may find it worth a single viewing. Yet, audiences approaching it with high expectations for a groundbreaking war drama might find themselves somewhat underwhelmed.