As the release of "120 Bahadur" approaches on November 21, 2025, anticipation builds for this war drama centered on the Battle of Rezang La. Starring Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the film pays homage to the 120 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1962 Indo-China War. While waiting for its theatrical release, several compelling films and shows based on the Indo-China War are available on OTT platforms.
One of the earliest and most powerful depictions of the 1962 war is Chetan Anand's "Haqeeqat" (1964), available on Zee5. This film portrays the heroic struggle of Indian soldiers in Ladakh against overwhelming Chinese forces, featuring a stellar cast including Dharmendra and Balraj Sahni.
For a more recent take, "1962: The War in the Hills" (2021) streams on JioHotstar. This series revisits the Battle of Rezang La, highlighting the courage of 125 Indian soldiers who faced thousands of Chinese troops. The show blends action with emotional storytelling, offering a gripping narrative of the historic battle.
Another option is "Paltan" (2018), directed by J.P. Dutta, which is available on Zee5. Unlike many films focusing on the 1962 conflict, "Paltan" portrays the 1967 Nathu La and Cho La clashes between Indian and Chinese troops. The film honors the soldiers who fought bravely to protect India's borders.
"72 Hours: Martyr Who Never Died" (2019) is also available on Zee5. This biographical war drama tells the story of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat and his extraordinary bravery during the 1962 war. Outnumbered, he single-handedly fought the enemy for 72 hours.
These films and shows offer a glimpse into the courage and sacrifices made during the Indo-China War. While "120 Bahadur" is poised to offer a fresh perspective on the Battle of Rezang La, these existing OTT options provide a valuable opportunity to learn about this important chapter in Indian history.
"120 Bahadur" is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 21, 2025 and will also be screened at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on the same date. The film had paid previews on November 18, 2025. It is the first Hindi film to be released in over 800 defense theaters across India exclusively for members of the Indian defense community. The film portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was posthumously conferred the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his bravery in the Battle of Rezang La. The first look poster of the film was released on November 18, 2024, as a tribute on the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La. The official teaser of the film was released on August 5, 2025 in Mumbai. The trailer was released on November 5, 2025. The movie has been passed by the CBFC with zero cuts.
