India’s military history has many iconic chapters, but very few hit the heart the way the Battle of Rezang La does. The upcoming Hindi film 120 Bahadur brings this legendary real-life story to the screen, honouring the 120 soldiers who defended Rezang La against an enemy force nearly 25 to 40 times larger.
- Release Date: November 21, 2025
- Director: Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai
- Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna, Ankit Siwach & others
- Genre: Action, Historical, War Drama
The film isn’t just another war drama. It’s a raw, emotional, patriotic tribute to courage, duty, and leadership. This detailed blog breaks down 120 Bahadur film’s story, cast, production, early reactions, and why 120 Bahadur is easily one of India’s most awaited films of 2025.
Watch 120 Bahadur Official Trailer Here:
The Real Story of 120 Bahadur
At the core of 120 Bahadur is the unbelievable true story of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment. Set in the harsh, snow-laden heights of Eastern Ladakh, the film takes us back to November 18, 1962, one of the toughest days in Indian military history.
The Battle of Rezang La
Rezang La stands tall at almost 16,400 feet. In 1962, this point became the centre of a massive Chinese attack. Against nearly 3,000–5,000 enemy soldiers, India had only 120 Ahir soldiers, completely cut off from support.
Communication lines were destroyed. Artillery support didn’t reach. Ammunition was old and limited. But the resolve of Charlie Company was unshakable.
The film recreates this unimaginable last stand, where the men fought wave after wave, moving from rifles to bayonets to hand-to-hand combat. Retreat was an option, but it was never even considered.
Out of 120 soldiers, 114 were martyred. Yet before falling, they inflicted over 1,300 casualties on the Chinese and protected a crucial flank of the Indian defence line.
Major Shaitan Singh: The Heart of the Story
The emotional and moral backbone of the film is Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (played by Farhan Akhtar). Even after being critically injured by a shell splinter, he refused evacuation and kept moving from post to post, motivating his men until the end.
His spirit is captured in the line that defines this story:
“Hum peechhe nahi hatenge.”
He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, and the film aims to present both his bravery and his humanity with honesty and respect.
120 Bahadur Cast and Crew
An epic like this needs a powerful ensemble, and 120 Bahadur absolutely delivers.
| Actor | Role | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Farhan Akhtar | Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (PVC) | Central performance, intense, rooted and authentic. |
| Raashii Khanna | Shagun Kanwar | Represents the emotional cost of war. |
| Ankit Siwach | Soldier, Charlie Company | A key character among the 120 bravehearts. |
| Ajinkya Deo, Eijaz Khan, Vivan Bhatena | Military roles | Add strength to battalion dynamics. |
| Mrunal Thakur & Paresh Rawal | Strong supporting roles | Bring depth and maturity to the narrative. |
| Amitabh Bachchan | Narrator | His voice sets the tone of power and patriotism. |
Creative Team
- Director: Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai
- Screenplay: Rajiv G. Menon
- Dialogues: Sumit Arora
- Producers: Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Amit Chandrra
- Music: Amit Trivedi
- Cinematography: Tetsuo Nagata
Real snow landscapes, Oscar-winning action teams and on-location filming in Ladakh at -10°C make the visuals feel authentic and immersive.
120 Bahadur Early Buzz & Expectations
With the full reviews yet to come, the film’s trailer, posters and behind-the-scenes glimpses have created massive excitement.
Authenticity Over Loud Patriotism
A major talking point is the film’s subtle, grounded tone. Farhan Akhtar explained it perfectly:
“Patriotism is beautiful. Jingoism is ugly. When soldiers act out of duty, you don’t need to shout about it.”
This gives confidence that the film avoids the exaggerated nationalism often seen in war films. Instead, it focuses on sacrifice, duty, and raw courage.
Early Reactions from Bollywood
Salman Khan was among the first to applaud the film’s trailer. Sharing his thoughts on X, he wrote, “Bahut kamaal trailer hai! Congratulations @FarOutAkhtar and the entire team of #120Bahadur. Yeh kahani har Indian ke dil mein utregi.” His appreciation has added even more momentum to the film’s buzz, with fans celebrating his endorsement and praising the emotional weight of the story.
Bahut kamaal trailer hai! Congratulations @FarOutAkhtar and the entire team of #120Bahadur
Yeh kahani har Indian ke dil mein utregi @J10Kassim https://t.co/sAzubYYrJJ pic.twitter.com/9dAan5ynnP— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) November 6, 2025
They went to the front as boys but through unparalleled courage and sacrifice, they became legends.
‘120 Bahadur’ salutes the veer Ahir soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon regiment who laid down their lives in the Battle of Rezang La. #120Bahadur, Teaser 2 Out Today at… pic.twitter.com/nA61vLdrBd
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) September 28, 2025
Why 120 Bahadur Is a Must-Watch for Every Indian?
- 1. Keeps History Alive
Not many Indians know the full story of Rezang La. This film ensures the bravery of Charlie Company reaches every generation. - 2. A Lesson in Leadership
Major Shaitan Singh’s leadership style—calm, fearless, selfless—will inspire audiences far beyond the film. - 3. A Technical Leap for Indian War Films
Shooting at real high-altitude locations, using global snow experts, and adopting realistic action choreography sets a new benchmark. - 4. Farhan Akhtar’s Big Comeback
After a quiet period, Farhan returns with one of the most demanding roles of his career.
120 Bahadur Final Verdict
Even before release, 120 Bahadur stands out as an emotionally powerful, visually stunning and historically important film. With a grounded tone, strong performances and exceptional technical work, it’s shaping up to be the definitive cinematic tribute to Rezang La.
This isn’t just a film to watch. It’s a story to remember, honour and feel deeply proud of.
Keep visiting Dazzlerr for more updates, reviews and exclusive insights on the latest films and stories that matter.
FAQs
1. Is 120 Bahadur based on a true story?
Yes. 120 Bahadur is based on the real Battle of Rezang La (1962) where 120 Indian soldiers of 13 Kumaon Regiment fought against thousands of Chinese troops.
2. Who is Farhan Akhtar playing in 120 Bahadur?
Farhan Akhtar plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who led the Charlie Company during the Rezang La battle.
3. What is the real story behind 120 Bahadur?
The film tells the true story of 120 Ahir soldiers who made a last stand at Rezang La, fighting till the last bullet and protecting India’s defence line despite impossible odds.
4. When is 120 Bahadur releasing?
The film releases on 21 November 2025, with paid previews starting 18 November 2025.
5. Who are the main cast members of 120 Bahadur?
The cast includes Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna, Ankit Siwach, Ajinkya Deo, Eijaz Khan, Vivan Bhatena, along with appearances by Mrunal Thakur and Paresh Rawal.
6. How accurate is 120 Bahadur to real events?
The makers claim high accuracy. The film is shot in real high-altitude conditions, uses military consultants, and focuses on authenticity over jingoism to portray the battle realistically.
7. Is 120 Bahadur a hit or flop?
Based on the massive buzz, powerful subject, Farhan Akhtar’s comeback performance and the patriotic appeal of the Rezang La story, 120 Bahadur is strongly expected to be a HIT. Trade analysts are already projecting solid opening numbers and strong word-of-mouth because war dramas with real history tend to perform extremely well with Indian audiences.
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