“Ye wardi sirf khoon nahin, qurbani bhi maangti hai” – that’s the motto 120 Bahadur swears by. Directed by Rajneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, 120 Bahadur stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the soldier who frontlined the historical battle of 1962. Inspired by the Battle of Rezang La between India and China, the movie retells a story few people know, and even fewer remember. The movie’s trailer promised a gripping portrayal of this story. But does the film deliver what it promised? Read our review of 120 Bahadur to find out.

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120 Bahadur movie review: The plot

The movie takes us to the bleak, frozen heights of Rezang La, a remote, steep mountain pass, in 1962. Army officer Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (Farhan Akhtar) is certain that the Chinese army is preparing to mount an attack at Rezang La. Even though he is resolute, Bhati fails to convince his higher authorities to increase the number of Indian troops at Rezang La. So, he takes 120 fierce soldiers to fight the battle. But his regiment consists of soldiers who have only experienced life in the Indian plains. How will they face the extreme chill of Rezang La, let alone face the fully equipped Chinese army? To top it all, the regiment consists of Ahir soldiers, the community that has been perceived as too “indisciplined” to even be in the military.

What we loved about 120 Bahadur

The movie blends the emotional and thrilling moments that define the war genre. 120 Bahadur balances the battlefield tension with small, intimate moments between the soldiers and their families that will make you care deeply about them. The director shows gripping visuals of the war that will keep you invested in the story. Farhan’s fierce portrayal of Major Shaitan demands your attention. Throughout the film, he delivers the grit and vulnerability of his character, paying a powerful tribute to the army officer.

The supporting cast includes Raashii Khanna, who beautifully portrays the sentiment of every military wife — the woman who’s proud of her soldier husband but whose heart always lingers near the door, awaiting his return. 120 Bahadur also features Sparsh Walia as the radio operator, who gives a strong performance in his supporting role. The way he highlights his character’s fears, strengths, and honesty will make you stay till the film’s end. Other actors include Ankit Siwach, Vivan Bhatena, Sahib Verma, Ajinkya Ramesh Deo, and Brijesh Karanwal, among others. With light humour and grit, they deliver a powerful performance as the courageous Ahir soldiers.

What we didn’t love about 120 Bahadur

Even though the film doesn’t rely solely on constant action, 120 Bahadur presents an overly extended buildup. The first half of the movie moves slowly, setting up the battle’s premise and the soldiers’ personal lives. The film also allows the story to breathe, showing who these soldiers are beyond their uniforms. But the makers fail to do this in an engaging way. That said, 120 Bahadur soon picks up the pace as a war movie must.

120 Bahadur is now running in theatres.

Can you watch 120 Bahadur with your family?: Yes, the movie doesn’t portray obscene language or intimacy.

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