120 Bahadur (2025) Movie ft. Farhan, Sparsh, and Raashii
120 Bahadur brings Farhan Akhtar back to screens after four years. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, this war film tells the story of the Battle of Rezang La from 1962. Farhan plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, alongside Raashii Khanna as his wife.
The film shows 120 soldiers defending their post against 3,000 Chinese troops. They fought at 16,000 feet in sub-zero conditions. Major Shaitan Singh received the Param Vir Chakra after his death for his courage.
Story and How It Unfolds
November 1962. Chinese forces move toward Ladakh. Major Shaitan Singh and his men guard Rezang La, protecting an important airstrip. When ordered to leave, he refuses and decides to stand his ground.
Director Ghai takes an interesting route. No flashbacks showing homesick soldiers. Everything happens in real time. We see men joking around, getting disciplined, and talking about film stars. It feels human.
The opening half moves at a crawl. Scenes stretch longer than needed. The comedy misses more than it hits. But once the battle starts, things change. The second half finds better pacing.
What I Liked
Farhan Akhtar gives a measured performance. He plays it quiet, showing strength without shouting. No over-the-top heroics—just a soldier leading his unit. Sparsh Walia, making his debut as a radio operator, surprised me. He matches up well against experienced actors.
Vivan Bhatena adds weight to his role as Jemadar Surja Ram. The entire soldier cast trained for six months before shooting. You can see that dedication on screen.
Tetsuo Nagata shot this beautifully. The mountain landscapes look harsh and stunning at once. Battle scenes feel close and intense. Marek Svitek kept the action grounded—no flashy moves, just raw combat.
Raashii Khanna has limited screen time but uses it well. Her dialect wobbles at times, but she brings real emotion when it counts.
What Doesn’t Work
The first half needs tightening. Too much time passes before we reach the core conflict. Bonds between soldiers take time to form. Instead of feeling like brothers, they feel like separate people for too long.
Music is the weakest link. Songs feel forced and forgettable. Background score works during fights but doesn’t stick with you after. A war film needs music that lifts moments—this one doesn’t.
The film leans on familiar war movie patterns. Anyone who’s watched Border or international war classics will spot repeated ideas. The emotion needed more depth throughout. The skill is visible, but the lasting impact isn’t there.
How Critics and Viewers Responded
Hindustan Times gave it 3/5. They appreciated the tribute but wanted stronger emotional threads. NDTV rated it 3 stars, saying it stays watchable throughout. Firstpost went lower with 2/5, pointing to unmet potential despite good material.
Viewers on social platforms have been warmer. Many praised Farhan’s work as career-best. One person posted: “This isn’t just entertainment, it’s a tribute to real heroes.” Another wrote: “Battle sequences are powerful with stunning camera work.”
My Take
120 Bahadur honors soldiers who deserved recognition. It’s made with genuine respect and effort. Farhan Akhtar shows why he’s valued in serious roles. The visuals are striking, combat scenes work, and the history matters.
But it stops short of being memorable. The opening drags, songs add nothing, and connections form too slowly. It’s solid but not exceptional. Watch it if you care about this piece of military history. Just know it’s more tribute than edge-of-seat drama.
Rating: 3/5
