Goa, November 21, 2025 - The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa is currently hosting the premiere of Farhan Akhtar's highly anticipated war film, "120 Bahadur". The film, which stars Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, tells the heroic story of the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
Akhtar, addressing the media at IFFI 2025, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the soldiers. "'Their sacrifice must never slip through the cracks,' is what I kept reminding myself during the making of this film," he stated. He further elaborated on the responsibility he felt in bringing such a significant historical event to the screen, ensuring that the depiction was accurate and did justice to the real-life heroes.
"120 Bahadur" recounts the events of November 18, 1962, when 120 soldiers of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, defended their post against a contingent of 3,000 Chinese troops. The Charlie Company, composed entirely of Ahirs, managed to inflict over 1,300 casualties on the Chinese army despite being heavily outnumbered. Major Shaitan Singh Bhati was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his exceptional bravery during the battle.
The film has already garnered positive reactions, with many praising its technical brilliance, cinematography, and engaging background score. Social media is abuzz with reviews from general viewers and Indian Army veterans alike.
Adding to the film's historic release, "120 Bahadur" is set to become the first Bollywood movie to be simultaneously released in over 800 defense theaters across India, exclusively for members of the defense community. Furthermore, the film will have a special screening at the Rezang La War Memorial Auditorium in Chushul village, Ladakh, located at an altitude of 16,452 feet, making it one of the highest-altitude film screenings ever. PictureTime, a mobile theatre company, will conduct 14 shows at the memorial auditorium for Army personnel and local villagers.
Akhtar noted the challenges of filming in Ladakh, describing it as a "beautiful hell" that "reminds you of how small and insignificant you are in the scope of things". He lauded the courage and endurance of the Indian soldiers who protect the borders in desolate and remote locations.
"All films are challenging in some way or another. Of course, this demanded a lot more because of where we shot it. That does make a difference," Akhtar told ANI.
"120 Bahadur", directed by Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai, features Raashii Khanna as Shagun Kanwar, Major Shaitan Singh's wife, along with Vivan Bhatena and Ankit Siwach in key roles. The film's music is composed by Amit Trivedi and Salim–Sulaiman, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
The premiere of "120 Bahadur" at IFFI 2025 is part of a larger celebration that includes red carpet premieres of other upcoming films and screenings of classics. The festival, which runs from November 20 to 28, will also feature a parade involving various film production houses.
