Name: 120 Bahadur
Director: Razneesh Ghai
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna, Vivian Bhatena, Eijaz Khan, Sparsh Walia
Writer: Rajiv G Menon
Rating: 2.5/5
Plot
Produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, 120 Bahadur is based on a true story. Headlined by Farhan Akhtar, the film follows Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who, along with 120 soldiers, safeguards Rezang La, Chushul, from being captured by the Chinese Army. Set during the 1962 Indo-China war, it narrates the valiant stand of 120 Indian Army men who fought neck-to-neck against a 3,000-strong Chinese contingent infiltrating the Rezang La Pass. The Indian Army emerged victorious, and the film attempts to showcase how they achieved the impossible, the hardships they endured, and Major Bhati’s presence of mind.
What Works
Cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata deserves the highest accolades for capturing Ladakh like never before; every moving frame feels like a work of poetry. Director Razneesh Ghai’s vision shines, especially in the war choreography; despite the challenging terrain, his execution stands out. Satish Raghunathan’s background score adds the right punch to the battle sequences, with metal clanks and gunshots heightening tension. In a few moments, the sound design even offers unexpected jump scares. The second half is particularly gripping and holds your attention.
Watch the film’s trailer here:
What Doesn’t
The first half of 120 Bahadur treads familiar ground; we’ve seen similar beats in numerous war films. The light-hearted banter among soldiers and the healthy disagreements between the Major and the Commanding Officer feel routine and don’t leave a lasting impact. Storytelling suffers from uneven pacing, especially with soldiers’ backstories introduced abruptly, disrupting the narrative flow. The songs are decent but lack the mass appeal expected from a patriotic film. The dialogues also fall short of evoking a strong patriotic fervor, possibly a result of war-film fatigue.
Performances
120 Bahadur marks Farhan Akhtar’s return to the big screen after almost four years, and yet, he encapsulated the 70 mm as the powerful and brave Major Shaitan Singh Bhati. While he shines in moments of angst, powerful dialogue writing would’ve increased the gravitas. Raashii Khanna as Sagun, wife of the Major, lends able support. Vivian Bhatena (Jemadar Surja Ram) stands out with his beautifully modulated voice. Eijaz Khan is convincing as the Commanding Officer. Newcomer Sparsh Walia (Ram Chander Yadav) gets a dedicated subplot and makes a promising debut.
Ankit Siwach (Ramlal), Ajinkya Deo (Brigadier), Dhanveer Singh (Jemadar Hariram Singh), Ashutosh Shukla (Dharampal), Atul Singh (Baingan), Brijesh Karanwala (Jairam Kaka), Digvijay Pratap (Jemadar Saab), Sahib Verma (Nanha), Devendra Ahirwar (Baingan), Fredy Chan and Marcus Mao deliver convincing, committed performances.
Final Verdict
120 Bahadur is a story the nation deserves to know. Despite its flaws, it honors the courage of the martyrs of the Battle of Rezang La. Watch it as a tribute to their sacrifice.
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