Movie Review: 120 Bahadur
Cast: Ankit Siwach, Amitabh Bachchan, Raashi Khanna, Farhan Akhtar, Vivan Bhatena, Eijaz Khan, Ajinkya Deo, Devendra Ahirwar, and others.
Director: Razneesh Ghai
Release Date: 21 November, 2025
Rating: 3 stars
120 Bahadur Honest Movie Review: When you go to watch a war film, especially something as sensitive as the story of Shaintaan Singh and how he led a troop to victory that no one even believed was a possibility, you expect to feel shocked, surprised, and experience a deep and lingering sense of pride. In a country like India - that thrives on emotions, patriotism, and this deeply rooted sense of pride - it's the easiest emotion to convey, and that's where 120 Bahadur, Farhan Akhtar's movie couldn't do complete justice.
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120 Bahadur is the upcoming war movie starring Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaintaan Singh. The film recounts the Battle of Rezang La during the Sino-Indian War on November 18, 1962. It focuses on the extraordinary courage of 120 Ahir soldiers from the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who held their post against a massive 3,000-strong Chinese army and how they managed to gain a win that no one even thought was a possibility, let alone something that could actually happen.
The film begins on a promising note, courtesy a strong musical piece and a powerful voiceover by Amitabh Bachchan. Despite a powerful start, the film struggles to live up to the massive expectations of the viewers. There are certain aspects of the film that shine brilliantly and are successful in capturing the viewers' attention. However, there are some portions too that could've been executed better.
Farhaan Akhtar gave another one of his career's talk-of-the-town performances. He was able to breathe fresh air into the character and managed to portray Shaitaan Singh with great conviction and honesty . In emotional aspects, he was brilliant and put a smile on everyone's face, in true Akhtar style . Although he could've performed better in the fight sequences, he led the troop with brilliance, and it was a treat to watch him on screen after a long gap of four years.
What works in favour of 120 Bahadur?
Let's be honest, it is the powerful story! You need to witness the bravery of our Indian Army on the big screen. What they had to combat, and that final battle will leave you with goosebumps. Farhan Akhtar is an absolute treat to watch on the big screen, especially in the second half of the film. 120 Bahadur succeeds in delivering real grit and succeeds in evoking strong reactions from the viewers - more than enough reason to give this film a watch. The performances of the supporting cast is impactful. Even though most of them have limited screen time, they are successful in leaving an indelible impact.
What could've been better?
The movie could've focused more on the emotional appeal. The film needs a quiet moment to settle. It keeps moving from one big event to the next, and this leaves the audience with no time to breathe or absorb what is happening. A story like this needs an emotional pause, and that’s where the film faltered. In a film like 120 Bahadur, where the viewers come to witness the war, the portrayal should have been more raw, and as close to reality as possible. It should not have been glossy. The film clearly demanded realism, but it felt overly polished.
Even the fights felt too perfect, too put together, too aesthetic; it was like making a segment all the while knowing fans would make edits of that segment, and a film of this scale needed to get away from the aestheticism. The sound design shines in the gritty sequences, but the romantic and emotional scenes needed more depth and heart.
All in all, the film offers an unforgettable experience. However, a more emotionally deep script and refined cinematography, with a tighter and cleaner first half, could've confirmed its status as an instant hit with the viewers. But what's done is done, and we can only hope that the effort and the story of this movie don't go in vain because the story is important for people to know.
120 Bahadur certainly deserves a watch! Reason? For the love of our history and army and to know what happens at the border when we are safe and shielded at our home by our cosy illusions.
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