120 Bahadur (Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War)

120 Bahadur, released theatrically on November 21, 2025, and recently premiered on Amazon Prime Video on January 16, 2026, is a stirring historical war drama.¹ Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, the film marks Farhan Akhtar’s return to the screen after a three-year hiatus.²+1

Movie Overview & Plot

The film is a cinematic tribute to the legendary Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.³ It tells the true story of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, consisting of 120 soldiers—mostly from the Ahir community of Haryana—who defended a strategic pass in Ladakh against over 3,000 Chinese troops.⁴

Plot Points:

• The Last Stand: Set at an altitude of 16,000 feet in sub-zero temperatures, the film captures the brutal reality of high-altitude warfare.⁵ Outnumbered and outgunned, the soldiers choose to fight to the “last man, last bullet.”⁶+1
• Major Shaitan Singh:⁷ The narrative centers on Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (Farhan Akhtar), whose leadership and tactical brilliance held the defense together even after he was mortally wounded.⁸+1
• The Aftermath: The story is framed through the accounts of the six survivors, highlighting how their heroic stand was initially doubted but eventually recognized as one of the greatest military feats in history.

Key Cast and Crew

• Farhan Akhtar: Portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC.⁹ His performance has been praised for its quiet intensity and emotional depth.
• Raashii Khanna: Plays Shugan Kanwar, the resilient wife of Major Shaitan Singh.¹⁰
• Supporting Cast: Includes Vivan Bhatena, Ankit Siwach, Eijaz Khan, and Ajinkya Deo.¹¹
• Narration: The film features a powerful opening voice-over by Amitabh Bachchan.¹²

Cinematic Highlights

• Authenticity: The film was shot extensively on location in Ladakh, providing a gritty, realistic backdrop to the battle sequences.¹³
• Musical Score: Features a soulful soundtrack by Amit Trivedi, including the stirring track “Dada Kishan Ki Jai”.¹⁴
• Visuals: Cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata (of La Vie en Rose fame) captures the stark beauty and terrifying isolation of the Himalayan battlefield.¹⁵

Fast Facts

Reception

While the film had a modest run at the box office due to its serious tone, it has been hailed by critics and military veterans as a “masterclass in war cinema.” It is frequently compared to the 1997 classic Border for its focus on brotherhood and supreme sacrifice.