Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming film, 120 Bahadur, has sparked conversations across India. Based on the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-China war, the movie seeks to pay tribute to the 120 courageous Indian soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment who fought bravely. As reported by Times of India, Farhan hopes the film becomes tax-free, calling it “a film every Indian must watch.”
In this blog, I will dive into the film’s background, why Farhan is so passionate about it, the controversies surrounding it, and what this all means for viewers and Indian cinema.
The Real Story Behind 120 Bahadur
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Historical Background
The film is based on the Battle of Rezang La, where in 1962, approximately 120 Indian soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment fought against a much larger Chinese force. -
Major Shaitan Singh Bhati
Farhan Akhtar plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his leadership and valor. (The Indian Express) -
Production
Directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai and produced by Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), Ritesh Sidhwani, and Amit Chandrra (Trigger Happy Studios). -
Premiere and Release
The film premiered at IFFI 2025 (International Film Festival of India) in Goa. It is set to release in cinemas on 21 November 2025. (NDTV India) -
Certification
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film without any cuts. It has a U/A certificate (13+), runtime is about 2 hours 17 minutes.
Why Does Farhan Akhtar Want the Film to Be Tax-Free?
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Political & Social Appeal
A Rajasthan MLA, Ravindra Singh Bhati, has written to the Chief Minister asking for the film to be made tax-free in the state. (India Today) -
Promoting Patriotism
According to the MLA, making the ticket cheaper will help more people, especially youth and students, see this inspiring story. He argues that it will strengthen nationalist feelings and give the younger generation a chance to learn about the sacrifices of these soldiers. (Mid-day) -
Farhan’s View
Farhan himself has said (in interviews) that the challenge of telling a true story comes with great responsibility. He emphasized that they wanted to portray the soldiers and their families respectfully and accurately, so that people connected to the real-life heroes feel proud. -
Cultural Importance
By supporting a tax-free demand, supporters believe the film can reach a wider audience, not just in big cities but across regions, making this chapter of history more widely understood.
The Controversies & Legal Disputes
While the film’s mission is noble, it hasn’t escaped criticism. Several controversies have come up:
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Community Objections
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Members of the Ahir community (who claim many of the Rezang La soldiers were from their community) have protested.
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They argue that the film’s title and portrayal distort historical facts. Some demanded the name to be changed to “120 Vir Ahir” to explicitly recognize the Ahir soldiers.
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Legal Battles
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The Punjab and Haryana High Court rejected a plea to change the title.
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There was a public interest litigation (PIL) in Delhi High Court, but the court cleared the film for nationwide release. (The New Indian Express)
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The court noted that the film’s end credits include the names of all 120 soldiers, which the filmmakers assured.
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Allegations of Historical Distortion
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Critics say the movie emphasizes individual heroism (Major Bhati) over the collective effort of the soldiers, which could misrepresent the “collective saga of sacrifice.”
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According to the Economic Times, some claim that such representation undermines public memory and affects community honor.
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Protests and FIRs
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There have been protests, such as at a toll plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, by the Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha.
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An FIR was filed against protesters for blocking the road in connection with their demands. (The Times of India)
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Reception & Early Reviews
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Positive Feedback
The first reviews of 120 Bahadur have been very encouraging. Critics praise its powerful narrative, emotional moments, and stunning visuals. -
Visuals & Cinematography
Multiple reviewers highlight how well the film captures the brutal, cold terrain of Ladakh — the snow, the wind, the harshness, and the isolation of the battlefield. This helps emphasize how difficult the conditions were. -
Performances
While Farhan’s performance has drawn mixed reactions, the younger cast (soldiers) has been praised for bringing authenticity and heart to their roles. -
Emotional Depth
The film seems to resonate most when it shows the camaraderie, small personal moments, and human struggles of the soldiers more than just big war spectacle. Early viewers say it’s moving and respectful.
Why 120 Bahadur Is Important
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Remembering Forgotten Heroes
Many people today may not be aware of the Rezang La battle or the soldiers who fought there. This film shines a light on a relatively lesser-known yet deeply heroic chapter of Indian military history. -
Educating the Next Generation
If the film becomes tax-free (as requested), more young people may go to watch it. That can help them learn about sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism beyond just textbooks. -
Art and Responsibility
The film raises the larger question: How should cinema portray real, historical events? By balancing storytelling with respect for real people's lives, 120 Bahadur could be a model for war dramas rooted in history. -
Community Representation
The controversy around the Ahir community’s role shows how important it is to include multiple perspectives. It also opens up discussions about identity, memory, and who gets recognized in popular narratives.
Challenges & Limitations
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Balancing Fact & Fiction
Turning real-life events into a dramatic film always involves some creative interpretation. But critics suggest that emphasizing one character (Major Bhati) could overshadow the collective heroism of the 120 soldiers. -
Box Office Reach
Despite large themes, the film’s release strategy is somewhat limited. Reports suggest it's opening on 900–1000 screens, focused on “urban, content-driven cinegoers.” (The Times of India) -
Community Backlash
Continued protest from the Ahir community could affect public perception. Even though legal hurdles were cleared, there’s social sensitivity that the film must navigate carefully.
Conclusion
120 Bahadur is more than just a war movie — it's a tribute to real heroes, a reminder of sacrifices that many in India might not fully know, and a conversation starter about how history is remembered and represented.
Farhan Akhtar’s hope that the film becomes tax-free reflects his belief in its cultural importance. If made widely accessible, the film has the potential to reach more people and leave a lasting impact.
At the same time, the controversies remind us that historical representation isn’t simple. Questions around identity, community, and memory are complex. But maybe that’s exactly why 120 Bahadur is so necessary: not just to entertain, but to make us think, remember, and honor.