120 Bahadur Review: Razneesh Ghai's Earnest War Tribute

This 120 Bahadur review starts with a simple point: the film means every frame of its tribute. Razneesh Ghai directs a Hindi war drama about the Battle of Rezang La, with Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh. It is sincere, loud and often moving, though it does not always escape the war-movie playbook.

120 Bahadur Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The plot is set during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Major Shaitan Singh Bhati takes command of Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, a unit of 120 men posted at a freezing, isolated position in the Ladakh region. Tension builds as the soldiers understand how exposed they are.

The script by Rajiv G. Menon spends its first act on the barracks and the bonds between the men. We meet the soldiers as individuals before the shooting starts. That is a sensible choice, and it gives the later action some weight.

The film is inspired by true events, so the broad history is public. I will stay on the setup and leave the battle itself for you to watch.

What Works in 120 Bahadur

The military manoeuvres are the film's strongest suit. Critics have praised the action sequences, and The Hindu noted that the film brings a modern swagger to the story without watering down the tactical detail. The staging is clear, so you rarely lose track of who is where.

The mountain setting also helps. The cold, bare terrain makes the company's isolation feel real, and the film lets that sense of distance sink in before the pressure rises.

• Clear, well-executed battle choreography

• A strong feeling of isolation and exposure

• A respectful tone that honours the soldiers without turning them into cartoons

At 137 minutes, it also keeps a steady pace for most of the way. Fans of action movie reviews will find plenty to enjoy here.

120 Bahadur Cast and Performances

The 120 Bahadur cast is led by Farhan Akhtar, who plays Major Shaitan Singh with a calm, measured authority. He does not shout his way through the part. His quiet command makes the officer feel believable, and the role gives the film its centre.

Sparsh Walia plays Ramchander Yadav, and Ankit Siwach is Ramlal. Vivan Bhatena plays Suraj Ram, Dhanveer Singh is Hariram Singh, and Brijesh Karanwal appears as Jairam Kaka. Together they form a believable ensemble, and the barracks scenes give each actor a few moments to register.

Critics have singled out the performances as a highlight. If you want a fuller look at the film's background, the 120 Bahadur Wikipedia page is a handy reference.

Where 120 Bahadur Stumbles

The biggest problem is familiarity. One critic called the film a heartfelt tribute wrapped in a familiar template, and that is hard to argue with. The speeches, the farewells and the rousing music cues all follow patterns you have seen in other war films.

The emotional impact is also uneven. Some character moments land, while others feel rushed because the company is large and not every soldier gets room to breathe. The film's ambition, to honour 120 men, sometimes outruns its storytelling.

The screenplay is the weakest link, as several reviews noted. The drama between battles can feel more dutiful than inspired, even when the intentions are admirable.

Is 120 Bahadur Worth Watching?

Yes, 120 Bahadur is worth watching if you like sincere, well-made war dramas with a real historical basis. It does not reinvent the genre, but it delivers clean action, a steady lead performance and a story that deserves to be told.

Critical response has been mostly positive, with Rotten Tomatoes showing a 73% Tomatometer from 11 reviews. Audience scores are warm too, and IMDb sits around 7.0 to 7.1. The film is a solid watch rather than a landmark.

For more in the same vein, browse our war movie reviews or our drama movie reviews.

Who Will Enjoy 120 Bahadur

• Viewers who like patriotic war dramas rooted in real history

• Fans of Farhan Akhtar who want to see him in a serious, restrained role

• Action fans who value clear, grounded battle scenes over flashy spectacle