Farhan Akhtar recently hosted a special screening of his latest film, "120 Bahadur," for top officials of the Indian Army in Delhi. The screening was attended by General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, along with other brigadiers, major generals, army officers, and their families. Akhtar described the occasion as a "proud moment," expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share the film with those who serve the nation.
"120 Bahadur," which was released in cinemas on November 21, 2025, is set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War and pays tribute to the martyrs of the Battle of Rezang La. The film portrays the extraordinary courage of 120 Indian soldiers who stood their ground against a large contingent of the Chinese army. Farhan Akhtar stars as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC, who led his men through one of the most defining and heroic stands in Indian military history. Raashii Khanna plays Shagun Kanwar, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati's wife. The cast also includes Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Digvijay Pratap, Sahib Verma, and Ankit Siwach. Senior officers Ajinkya Deo and Eijaz Khan also appear in key roles.
The film is directed by Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandrra (Trigger Happy Studios).
General Upendra Dwivedi praised "120 Bahadur" for its moving tribute to the soldiers of Rezang La. He said the film resonated with him, appreciating its portrayal of emotions, valor, and team spirit. Dwivedi also noted that the film shows respect for the enemy, highlighting the concept of "dharamyudh" and mutual respect even in conflict.
Akhtar shared photos from the screening event, expressing his pride in celebrating the team's tribute to India's soldiers. Netizens lauded the film, with many calling it a must-see for every true patriot. One user who watched the film in Gurugram praised Akhtar's work for doing justice to the memory of Major Shaitan Singh.
"120 Bahadur" has also made history as the first film to be released across 800 defence theaters in India, utilizing PictureTime's mobile cinema network. A screening was scheduled at the Rezang La War Memorial Auditorium in Ladakh's Chushul village, located at an altitude of 16,452 feet. This initiative aims to bring big-screen entertainment to soldiers and their families, especially those in remote areas with limited access to regular movie theaters.
Sushil Chaudhary, Founder-CEO of PictureTime, emphasized the importance of reaching the underserved 70% of India's veteran and family audience who lack access to defence cinemas. Vishal Ramchandani, CEO of Excel Entertainment, expressed his humility that the film would be watched first by the people it aims to honor.
The film's release has also sparked nostalgia for the tradition of watching movies in India's "fauji" or defence theaters, which were once the socio-cultural backbone of defence communities and surrounding neighborhoods. These theaters provided entertainment for defence personnel and civilians alike, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
"120 Bahadur" tells the story of the Battle of Rezang La, where 120 soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, defended their post against a 3000-strong Chinese Army contingent. The film highlights their resilience and sacrifice, with 114 soldiers losing their lives in the 1962 conflict.
