In an unprecedented event, Farhan Akhtar's "120 Bahadur" premiered at the Rezang La War Memorial Auditorium in Chushul village, Ladakh on November 21, 2025. This marks the first-ever screening at the memorial for soldiers and local residents, and is claimed by organizers to be the highest-altitude film release, at 16,452 feet.
The film "120 Bahadur" tells the story of the Battle of Rezang La, a significant event in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The film portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, played by Farhan Akhtar. It highlights the unwavering bravery of 120 Indian soldiers from Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who defended their post against a 3000-strong Chinese army. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Charlie Company inflicted over 1300 casualties on the Chinese forces. Of the 120 Indian soldiers, 114 were killed in action, making the Battle of Rezang La a defining moment in Indian military history.
The film is directed by Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment, in collaboration with Amit Chandrra's Trigger Happy Studios. The ensemble cast includes Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, and others.
Prior to the premiere, a special customized 'My Stamp' dedicated to the Rezang La War Memorial was unveiled by Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The stamp commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the battle and serves as a symbol of remembrance for the soldiers' indomitable spirit during the 1962 war.
"120 Bahadur" was released across India's defense theater network, screening in over 800 cinema halls serving the country's military community. This initiative, led by PictureTime in partnership with GenSync Brat Media, aims to bridge the gap between India's armed forces and the entertainment industry by exclusively screening the film for defense personnel and their families. PictureTime's mobile cinema network is also being utilized to bring theatrical screenings to soldiers and families stationed in remote regions.
The film had paid preview shows on November 18, 2025, to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La. "120 Bahadur" was also screened at the Gala Premiere section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on its release date.
Vishal Ramchandani, CEO of Excel Entertainment, said that “'120 Bahadur' honors the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces". He also stated that the company feels privileged that the soldiers whose spirit the film celebrates will be watching it with their families and thanked PictureTime for facilitating the screening.
"120 Bahadur" is Farhan Akhtar's first IMAX release as an actor. The film has received positive reviews on social media from general viewers and Indian Army veterans, who have praised its cinematography and engaging background score.
