Farhan Akhtar's upcoming war film, "120 Bahadur," is facing a wave of protests and controversy surrounding its title, with some critics claiming it marginalizes the contributions of specific communities. The film, directed by Rajnish Ghai and produced by Farhan Akhtar, is set to release on November 21, 2025, and is based on the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-China War.
The primary point of contention stems from the film's title, "120 Bahadur." Members of the Yaduvanshi (Ahir) community, along with some BJP leaders from Haryana and Rajasthan, have voiced strong objections, demanding the title be changed to "120 Veer Ahir". These groups argue that the current title diminishes the collective heroism and sacrifices made by Ahir soldiers during the Battle of Rezang La. They claim that the film's focus on a single soldier, Major Shaitan Singh (played by Farhan Akhtar), overshadows the contributions of the 114 martyrs from the battalion, a company predominantly composed of Ahir soldiers. This battalion was officially recognized as "Veer Ahir" for their bravery in the Indo-China war.
Protests have been organized in Gurgaon, with demonstrators blocking roads and demanding the filmmakers acknowledge the Yadav community's role in the battle. Mahendra Singh Patwari, a member of the Ahir Regiment, stated that the film should explicitly name the martyrs and conclude with a tribute to them. Another protestor, Tarun, alleged that the film suppresses the history of the Yadav community and that a generic title like "120 Bahadur" will leave audiences unaware of the Ahir's contributions.
The protestors are demanding a pre-screening of "120 Bahadur" for the families of the martyrs and representatives of the Yaduvanshi community. This screening would allow them to verify the film's content and historical accuracy before its release. They have warned of a nationwide agitation and boycott if their demands are not met and the title remains unchanged.
Former Lok Sabha MP Karan Singh Tanwar highlighted that 90 percent of the soldiers who "sacrificed" themselves during the Rezang La war were Ahirs from Haryana's Rewari and Mahendragarh. Haryana BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra stated that the battle was a "historical battle" fought by Ahir soldiers.
The filmmakers have yet to respond to these specific demands directly. However, the film is described as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces. The controversy raises important questions about historical representation in cinema and the balance between cinematic narrative and honoring specific communities and their contributions to historical events. The outcome of these protests and the filmmakers' response remain to be seen as the film's release date approaches.
