With 120 Bahadur starring Farhan Akhtar, the movie tends to craft a beautiful narrative that is courageously subtle, inspiring deep reflection in the quiet moments that follow
- Cast: Raashii Khanna, Vivaan Bhatena, Eijaz Khan, Ankit Siwach, Sparsh Walia, Sahib Verma, Sparsh Walia,, Farhan Akhtar
- Director: Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai
- Rating: 3 Stars***
- What’s Bad:The film’s music and background score
- What’s Good: An emotional chronicle of fearless spirit, made even more powerful by the certainty of its ending
- Runtime: 2 Hours 19 minutes
India’s fight for sovereignty commenced with the uprising of 1857—168 years ago. It was a moment that sparked decades of courage and resistance. Eventually, the nation broke free from British dominance and has continued to thrive as an Independent country.
Even today, India continues its long-standing efforts to protect its borders from China. The Indo-China War of 1962 remains a defining moment, and Farhan Akhtar’s team decided to honor several more heroes from that era.
Even after becoming a free nation, India has been involved in intense border conflicts, notably with China. Highlighting the 1962 Indo-China War, Farhan Akhtar’s project celebrates the bravery of 120 Indian soldiers who defended Rezang La and held their ground against 3,000 Chinese troops, sharing their untold stories of sacrifice and courage.
Tales of the Indian Defence consistently evoke pride, yet this film carried a different intensity, one that clung to me long after the screen went dark, settling deep within and refusing to fade through the night.
Over the years, my love for cinema has made me critique, celebrate, and even condemn films. Some of what I said reflected popular sentiment, while some opinions stood alone.
I’m left with deep gratitude. As a lifelong film buff, I’ve reacted to movies in every way possible while supporting, critiquing, and sometimes aligning with others, sometimes not.
Yet 120 Bahadur has stayed quietly but powerfully with me, pushing me to reflect: Do I truly have the right to judge a war hero’s tale, even if it includes fictionalized elements for dramatic storytelling?
What gives me the right to undermine the depth of a soldier’s sacrifice for entertainment value? Perhaps the better choice is to celebrate their bravery wholeheartedly. And to thank the storytellers who bring such narratives forward without thinking about revenue charts.
120 Bahadur Movie Review: What Script Says?
As the trailer makes clear, the film establishes its core conflict right away. It shows how India is at war with China, whose 3,000-strong, heavily armed battalion is advancing toward the narrow mountain pass of Rezang La.
Portraying Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, Farhan Akhtar strengthens the morale of his 120 warriors. With resolute pride, he tells his commanding officer, “We’re not going anywhere without engaging in battle
Although he is allowed to withdraw from his station and escort his troops to safety, the Param Vir Chakra hero remains because the Ahir Boys won’t abandon their post.
Well, it might seem like an ordinary decision, but in truth, it was a choice between existence and martyrdom. These men didn’t choose safety rather than choosing service. And if that path demanded that they lay down their lives, they were willing to do it with pride.
120 Bahadur Movie Review: Star Performance
It shows how Farhan Akhtar steps into the shoes of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati to deliver a film that does more than revisit historical events, it reshapes our sense of heroism. The tone is restrained but unwavering, driving home the story’s importance.
Crafted like a countdown to a destined sacrifice, the film’s first hour highlights the unimaginable situation and duty of a soldier with remarkable restraint. Once battle erupts, the narrative becomes all-consuming, leaving the audience emotionally drained and deeply moved.
With strong contributions from Ashutosh Shukla, Devendra Ahirwar, Ankit Siwach, and the rest, the cast excels. But Sparsh Walia and Sahib Verma steal the spotlight with performances that linger long after the film ends.
The film features commendable performances from Vivaan Bhatena, Eijaz Khan, and Ajinkya Deo, along with several others, yet it’s Sahib Verma and Sparsh Walia who stand out with their emotionally charged acting.
Ajinkya Deo, Eijaz Khan, and Vivaan Bhatena bring power and authenticity to this story of heroism. Raashi Khanna’s role adds emotional value, her accent wavers at times, but the conclusion she delivers is undeniably impactful.
120 Bahadur Movie Review: Music & Direction
Well, the director Razneesh Razy Ghai has a different story to tell regarding the 120 Bahadur men without drifting into flashbacks or past memories. Their homesickness, fears, hopes, and bonds all play out directly on the battlefield.
They tease each other, disobey rules occasionally, ask their commanding officer about his ominous nickname, and navigate the push and pull of brotherhood. They may seem like everyday men.
It’s understandable that others may interpret the film differently. But for me, lessening the significance of a martyr’s sacrifice for entertainment felt too insensitive.
Before watching the film, I didn’t know Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, and now that I do, evaluating his story like any other film doesn’t feel right.
Still, wearing my movie-lover hat, I must point out that the soundtrack is where the film falls short. War movies often thrive on strong, rousing music, and this one misses that benchmark.
The background score also slips, particularly when Dada Kishan Ki Jai enters the composition.
120 Bahadur Movie Review: Final Verdict
I’ve spent years judging films, including war stories, but 120 Bahadur compelled me to drop that instinct. The film left me with a profound sense of appreciation, urging me not to critique tales built on sacrifice.
Why measure such bravery by cinematic standards? Let’s simply acknowledge the martyrs and their courage. For a story like this, the only appropriate response is to stand and applaud.
Among the film’s standout elements is the director’s insistence on naming every soldier from the 120 Bahadur. This attention to detail not only enriches the narrative.
120 Bahadur Trailer
Also Read: Farzi Review: An Intriguing Crime Drama of Shahid Kapoor & Vijay Sethupathi
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Manoj Patel is a senior video journalist who has a degree in Mass Communication. He has a rich experience in editing videos and writing stories on different platforms.
