Witness Farhan Akhtar’s powerful portrayal of Major Shaitan Singh in 120 Bahadur, a gripping tribute to the 1962 Rezang La battle where 120 Indian soldiers faced overwhelming odds with unmatched valor.
A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes
Bollywood has always been able to portray the pulse of patriotism and anticipation within powerful storytelling – the teaser for “120 Bahadur” conveys both. Directed by Razneesh Ghai (the trailer presents the flavor of a war drama), the film expects to deliver artistry and a touching tribute to real-life bravery. The film is set to premiere on November 21, 2025; the film is inspired by the legendary Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 India-China War, when 120 soldiers of the Indian Army, led by Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, faced off against the Chinese forces numbering thousands.
With Farhan Akhtar portraying Major Singh, the teaser does more than tease you – it evokes the heart.
The Story behind 120 Bahadur – A Battle in History
The Rezang La Battle: When 120 Faced Thousands
The Battle of Rezang La took place on November 18, 1962, one of the bravest last stands in military history. Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, a post of 120 cadre members, stood their ground at an altitude of 16,000 feet against over 5,000 Chinese soldiers. Knowing they would die, they took as many Chinese casualties as they could and died protecting the position until the end.
Of the 120 soldiers, 114 were killed, but their sacrifice confirmed that Rezang La was not taken.
Major Shaitan Singh: A Man, A Legend
Major Shaitan Singh Bhati was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. He led his men with remarkable bravery, and nothing can take away from the fact that he left a legacy that is more than military – it has become immortal. Carving out a longstanding historical figure such as this is not an easy task as an actor; however, Farhan Akhtar is obviously bringing gravity, grit, and dignity to the role.
Teaser Breakdown: Why Is 120 Bahadur A Must-Watch
Dialogues That Give Us The Rashtrawadi Goosebumps
The teaser packs an immediate emotional punch with its very first frame. There are two lines that stand out:
“Hum peeche nayi hatenge” (We will not retreat)
“Yeh wardi sirf himmat nahi, balidaan bhi mangtai hai” (This uniform demands not just courage, but sacrifice)
These aren’t just dialogues in a cinema – these are the crystallized resolve of any soldier who has ever faced an enemy of the State.
Cinematic Grandeur: A Visual Experience
The film was shot in Ladakh, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, and also included shooting on location at Rezang La. The film pulls out all the stops in its commitment to authenticity in both the b-roll and front roll filming. The production had to deal with altitude and terrain challenges, but they pulled everything together in painstakingly recreated battlefield conditions.
The stunning highlights of the film include:
Wind roared through trenches sprayed on the snowflakes hills
Realistic close-ups of trembling fingers wrapped around the triggers of weapons
The eerie silence before the charge
I wouldn’t quite say teaser, as much as it is a battle cry.
Farhan Akhtar: A Defining Performance?
Although Farhan has had plenty of transformative roles (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Toofaan), “120 Bahadur” represents what could be Farhan’s best performance to date. The steely look in his eye, the measured intensity, and the way he commands the war sequences all indicate a performance that could define the genre of war films.
Why This Film Matters: It’s More than Entertainment
🇮🇳 Renewed Focus on Forgotten Battles
Rather than a mainstream war film genre that primarily focuses on India-Pakistan films, “120 Bahadur” potentially opens a lesser-known area of Indian History that addresses the Sino-Indian War, and in particular, Rezang La, a battle that many schoolbooks skim over.
Genuine Representation – Shift in Bollywood
Because of the use of authentic sites of battle and support from historians, the film does not overdramatize and instead embraces authenticity. With most films nowadays relying heavily on over-the-top CGI, the film’s visual realism will feel more impactful to viewers.
Viewer Response – Applause Across the Boards
Within a few hours of the teaser dropping on YouTube and SWN social media platforms:
#120Bahadur was trending across X (formerly Twitter)
Film critics called it “Bollywood’s equivalent of Hacksaw Ridge.”
Veterans and ex-servicemen groups praised it for its tone and authenticity
Reality Heroism on Reel: Cultural Paradigm Shift
As India starts its celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The film’s release coincides with a renewed interest in India’s Military legacy. Schools, universities, and military institutes have already started to solicit private screenings and panel events in the days following the film’s release.
Essential Production Stats You Should Know
Feature Detail
Title 120 Bahadur
Lead Actor Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati
Director Razneesh Ghai
Based On the Battle of Rezang La, 1962 India-China War
Shooting Locations Ladakh, Reza-ng La Pass (16,000 ft), Rajasthan, Mumbai
Release Date November 21, 2025
Language Hindi (with some regional & International dubs possible)
Final Thoughts: “120 Bahadur” Isn’t a Movie, It Isn’t a War Film, It’s a Movement
In a time where patriotism is often delivered in soundbites, “120 Bahadur” envelopes it with cinematic fervour and history. I think that Farhan Akhtar’s Major Shaitan Singh will spark conversations and inspire future generations whilst reinvigorating India’s memory of silent hope that stands vigil on our borders.
FAQs
1. Who was Major Shaitan Singh Bhati?
He was a decorated Indian Army officer leading 120 soldiers at Rezang La & was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his gallant action during the war of 1962.
2. What makes “120 Bahadur” special?
It brings attention to the poorly represented Indo-China War, and it tells a story about one of the bravest last stands in Indian military history.
3. Is “120 Bahadur” based on a true story?
Yes, the film takes inspiration from real events of the Battle of Rezang La and demonstrates the bravery of 120 soldiers in impossible scenarios.
4. How true to war is this film?
According to behind-the-scenes sources and military consultants for the film, everything in the film is true to the facts and the battlefield situations.
5. When will the movie be released?
The official release date for “120 Bahadur” is November 21, 2025.
6. Where was the film shot?
The film was shot all over Ladakh (including Rezang La Pass), Rajasthan, and Mumbai for authenticity.
7. Will the film be available on OTT Platforms?
Theatrical release is ensured, but nothing is announced when it comes to OTT Platforms.