The film commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, where 120 Indian soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, bravely defended against over 3,000 Chinese troops. The paid previews began on November 18, receiving widespread acclaim for its realistic depiction of the battle and intense action sequences.
Farhan Akhtar stars as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC, and returned to Ladakh to shoot at freezing altitudes of 10,000 feet in -10°C conditions. The actor emphasized the authenticity of filming on location, noting that real terrains lend “real power to the story.” The action choreography, handled by the team behind the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, involved over 600 crew members during large-scale war sequences.
Amitabh Bachchan lends his voice for the film’s opening narration, detailing the battle’s historical significance. Bachchan’s narration, recorded at the request of Farhan and lyricist Javed Akhtar during a Kaun Banega Crorepati episode, has been praised for its gravitas and emotional resonance.
However, the film has encountered legal challenges. The Ahir Janjagrati Foundation, representing the Yadav community from Rajasthan, has sent a legal notice to Farhan Akhtar and Excel Entertainment, alleging that 120 Bahadur sidelines the collective heroism of the 114 soldiers over 95% from their communityfocusing excessively on Major Bhati. The foundation has demanded recognition of the group’s sacrifice and warned of potential boycotts if the concerns remain unaddressed.
120 Bahadur, produced under Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on December 5, aiming to pay tribute to one of India’s most valiant military chapters while navigating historical sensitivities.
