Hello everyone! As a avid follower of Indian cinema, especially war dramas that honor our history, I'm excited to share this in-depth post on 120 Bahadur, the 2025 Hindi-language historical war film that premiered on November 21, 2025. Directed by Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai in his second venture after Dhaakad, and produced by Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani) in collaboration with Trigger Happy Studios, this film recreates the heroic Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Starring Farhan Akhtar in a powerful lead as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, with a supporting ensemble including Raashii Khanna and narrated by Amitabh Bachchan, it runs for 137 minutes and emphasizes themes of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism without overt jingoism. Shot in the harsh terrains of Ladakh with stunning cinematography, it was featured at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and released amid moderate hype. Despite positive reviews for its technical prowess and performances, it underperformed commercially due to competition and limited appeal. In this 1500-word post, I'll cover a short intro (check!), story, cast and crew table, box office collection, OTT streaming options, and a balanced review—all sourced accurately. Let's honor the brave!
120 Bahadur (translating to "120 Bravehearts") is a poignant war epic that sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Indian military history—the valiant stand of 120 soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment's Charlie Company against overwhelming Chinese forces at Rezang La pass in Ladakh. With a budget of approximately ₹85 crore, the film blends intense battle sequences with emotional family moments, avoiding glorification of war while celebrating human spirit. Distributed by AA Films, it was released on November 21, 2025, coinciding with the IFFI Gala Premiere. The narrative, inspired by real events, highlights Major Shaitan Singh's leadership and the Ahir community's contributions, earning praise for authenticity despite screenplay critiques. Narrated by Amitabh Bachchan, it's a technical marvel with Dolby Atmos sound and breathtaking visuals, but faced box office challenges from releases like Dhurandhar. A must-watch for history enthusiasts, it's now available on OTT for wider reach.
Story
120 Bahadur transports viewers to the frigid heights of Ladakh in 1962, amid escalating Sino-Indian tensions. The plot centers on Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (Farhan Akhtar), a dedicated officer commanding Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment—comprising 120 soldiers, mostly Ahirs from Haryana and Rajasthan. Posted at Rezang La without adequate artillery or reinforcements, the unit fortifies against impending Chinese invasion. The story interweaves Singh's personal life, including tender moments with his wife Shugan Kanwari (Raashii Khanna), and the soldiers' camaraderie, showcasing their resolve despite harsh conditions.
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