120 Bahadur, Farhan Akhtar’s return to acting after 4.5 years, premiered on November 21, 2025, earning impressive early critical reception with 4.5 stars out of 5 from leading film critics. Directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai, the war drama recounts the Battle of Rezang La—the 1962 Sino-Indian War clash where Major Shaitan Singh Bhati commanded 120 Indian soldiers against an overwhelming Chinese force in Ladakh’s treacherous terrain. The film received rave audience reactions during paid previews (November 18), with viewers praising the “sincere and stirring salute” to Indian soldiers and Farhan’s “soul-stirring” performance. However, critics noted the routine first half and underwhelming music weaken the film’s overall impact, leading to mixed professional scores (3-3.5 stars) despite passionate audience enthusiasm. The film combines authentic locales, spectacular cinematography, and respectful action sequences—prioritizing emotional authenticity over graphic violence—marking a significant departure from typical Bollywood war narratives.
Cast and Creative Team
Director: Razneesh “Razy” Ghai
Writers: Sumit Arora (dialogue), Rajiv G. Menon (story & screenplay)
Producers: Farhan Akhtar, Amit Chandrra
Action Director: Marek Svitek
Cinematographer: Tetsuo Nagata (Japanese cinematographer)
Music: Satish Raghunathan
Production Companies: Excel Entertainment, Trigger Happy Studios
Main Cast:
– Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati
– Raashii Khanna as Sugan Kanwar (wife, special appearance)
– Sparsh Walia as Ramchander Yadav (Radio Operator)
– Ajinkya Deo as Brigadier T.N. Raina
– Eijaz Khan as Lt. Col. H.N. Dhingra
– Vivan Bhatena as Surja Ram
– Dhanveer Singh as Hariram
– Amitabh Bachchan (voice narration)
Runtime: 147 minutes
Release Date: November 21, 2025
Language: Hindi
Rating: UA
Review & Ratings
Professional Critics Score: 3-3.5/5 stars (mixed reviews)
Lead Critic Score: 4.5/5 stars (Notable critic Suryakant)
Audience Reception: Overwhelmingly positive (special preview screenings)
IMDb User Rating: To be updated post-release
Critical Highlights:
– **Farhan Akhtar’s Performance:** “Soul-stirring,” “commanding,” and “powerhouse” are terms critics consistently use. His underplaying of the character and angry side both impress. One reviewer noted: “Farhan Akhtar didn’t just play Major Bhati’s role, he truly lived it wholeheartedly.”
– **Technical Excellence:** Cinematography described as “spectacular,” with Ladakh shot “in a manner never done before.” Tetsuo Nagata’s camera work particularly praised for immersive framing.
– **Action Sequences:** Non-graphic, respectful approach to violence that “moves you rather than disturbs you.” Hand-to-hand combat sequences deliver “goosebumps moments” without glorifying gore.
– **Authenticity:** Filming at real locations in challenging Ladakh terrain and high-altitude conditions demonstrates authentic commitment. Production design and costumes praised for historical accuracy.
– **Emotional Impact:** One viewer shared: “Kal ek scene aaya jahan mujhe literally aankhon ke aas paas woh tight feeling aayi” (A scene yesterday gave me that feeling in my eyes). Multiple reports of audiences sitting in respectful silence after the film concluded.
Critical Reservations:
– **First Half:** Described as “routine” with “been-there-done-that” moments. The setup, while necessary, lacks compelling narrative urgency.
– **Music:** Songs (*’Yaad Aate Hain’, ‘Main Hoon Woh Dharti Maa’, ‘Naina Re Lobhi’*) “fail to entice or move viewers.” Background score more effective than music numbers.
– **Supporting Character Development:** While Sparsh Walia impresses, other soldiers receive minimal backstory or development beyond their martial prowess.
– **Pacing:** At 147 minutes, the film requires trimming, particularly in the expository first half.
Bollywood Hungama Review (3/5 Stars): “120 BAHADUR stands as a sincere and stirring salute to the heroes of Rezang La, powered by immersive war detailing and a commanding performance by Farhan Akhtar. However, the routine first half, been-there-done-that type of moments and underwhelming music hold it back from becoming truly unforgettable.”
YouTube Reviewer Consensus: Film reviewers on YouTube rate the film 4.5-5/5, particularly praising the climactic action sequence and emotional depth. One reviewer declared: “Absolutely outstanding. It’s a film that will move you. It’s a film that when you finish watching you will stand up and salute the Indian army.”
Army Veteran Special Screening Reaction: An army officer who attended special screening for the Chief of Army Staff noted: “A very well made movie, with a powerful visualisation of the battle. Having walked up the Rezang La pass myself, can vouch for excellent picturisation. A must watch!”
Where to Watch
Theatrical Release: Cinemas nationwide in India | November 21, 2025 onwards
Streaming Platform (Post-Theatrical): To be announced (typically major Hindi films release on Prime Video or Netflix 4-6 weeks post-theatrical release)
Overseas Release: Select cinemas in diaspora markets (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, UAE)
Advance Booking: Available on BookMyShow, PVR Cinemas, Inox websites
Plot Overview
The film recounts the Battle of Rezang La, a true story of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati leading 120 Indian soldiers against an overwhelming Chinese military force during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Stationed at Ladakh’s treacherous Rezang La pass (at 16,800 feet), these soldiers face impossible odds with superior Chinese weaponry and numerical advantage. The narrative explores the soldiers’ courage, brotherhood, sacrifice, and determination to defend Indian territory despite mounting casualties. Personal moments—including Shaitan Singh’s relationship with his wife Sugan—provide emotional grounding before the film’s powerful climactic battle sequences.
Farhan Akhtar’s Acting Comeback Significance
120 Bahadur marks Farhan Akhtar’s return as an actor after nearly 4.5 years (since Toofaan in 2021), with his producer-director roles during the interim. The role represents a significant challenge—demanding intense physical performance, emotional depth, and historical authenticity. Critics universally praise his commitment, suggesting this comeback establishes Farhan as a serious dramatic actor capable of embodying real-life heroes with conviction. The role’s patriotic significance elevates the film beyond typical action cinema into prestige historical drama territory.
