120 Bahadur

"120 Bahadur" is a genuinely gripping film that throws you right into the lives and struggles of Indian soldiers defending their land. The pacing stays tight from the start-there's never a dull moment. I was honestly shocked when the intermission hit because the first half just flew by.

Before the interval, the film focuses more on the characters and their bond, even slipping in a few light jokes. After the break, though, it's full-on war. Explosions, MMG and LMG bursts, rifle fire-you name it, the theatre was practically vibrating. And while that intensity works for a war movie, I personally felt the action stretched a bit too long. A little trimming would've kept the impact without overwhelming everything.

The songs also didn't leave much of a mark, which is why I couldn't quite give it a perfect 10.

Still, "120 Bahadur" delivers a powerful, emotional experience and keeps you hooked throughout. Definitely worth watching.

120 Bahadur" is an outstanding cinematic experience that truly touches the heart. The film brilliantly captures the courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit of our heroes. The storytelling is tight, emotional, and deeply engaging, keeping you connected to every moment. The performances-especially the lead role-are incredibly impactful, bringing authenticity and intensity to the screen.

The direction, music, and visuals blend perfectly to create a film that is not only entertaining but also meaningful. 120 Bahadur is a rare movie that leaves you thinking, inspires you, and fills you with pride long after it ends. A must-watch for everyone!

120 Bahadur (2025) : Movie Review -

Farhan Akhtar returns to the big screen after a long gap and picks a patriotic drama that certainly has emotional weight. The intent behind 120 Bahadur is noble, and the film highlights a chapter of Indian military bravery that deserves recognition. But the problem is that the war-action genre has already reached extraordinary heights over the years. Classics like Haqeeqat and Border have set strong benchmarks in Hindi cinema, and on the global front, films such as All Quiet on the Western Front, Patton, Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge, and the visually stunning 1917 have redefined how war stories are told. Because I have seen of these, 120 Bahadur feels dated and only partially impactful. Several scenes appear inspired by well-known moments from older films, which may leave viewers feeling less engaged. Still, the film finds its emotional strength in the final 20 minutes and manages to close on a respectable, heartfelt note.

The story opens with the introduction of Shaitaan Singh (Farhan Akhtar), a calm and composed leader whose entry may remind many of Sunny Deol's iconic introduction in Border (1997). While the rest of the platoon members are shown indulging in small fights and banter, Shaitaan Singh stands out thanks to his motivational speeches and disciplined presence. Meanwhile, Chinese forces are gradually moving towards Indian territory, and Shaitaan has a clear plan to counter them. However, his seniors don't fully trust his instincts. Because of this hesitation, the Chinese army manages to enter a vulnerable narrow pass. From here, the responsibility of defending the land falls entirely on Shaitaan Singh and his 120 courageous soldiers, who must stop thousands of invading enemies. The question remains: can they hold the fort and protect the nation against impossible odds?

The first half of 120 Bahadur is undoubtedly slow and repetitive. Scenes feel stretched, and the flow doesn't build steady interest. The humor feels out of place, and many of the jokes simply don't land. The bond between soldiers also lacks the organic charm seen in films like Border. Each character seems to have his own isolated arc, and the emotional connection between them doesn't develop strongly in the early portions. The only element keeping these scattered pieces together is Shaitaan Singh's leadership and the respect his men hold for him. The second half is more engaging, as the action sequences pick up and the intensity increases. Still, a few pacing hiccups interrupt the build-up. The film's final act, although predictable, works better than expected because it arrives after more than two hours of uneven storytelling. The emotional weight of witnessing 120 soldiers choosing sacrifice over retreat leaves a genuine impact. Even if the film doesn't fully achieve cinematic greatness, it does succeed in highlighting the courage of these brave men.

Performance-wise, Farhan Akhtar leads with sincerity but delivers only a moderately effective portrayal. The passion and power he displayed in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag are missing here. His voice modulation and physical presence feel slightly underplayed for the role of a commanding officer. Raashii Khanna is predictable in her limited part. Ajinkya Deo and Eijaz Khan, who play senior officers, perform decently. Ashutosh Shukla, Ankit Siwach, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Sahib Verma, Sparsh Walia and others contribute well to the ensemble, even though some roles feel underdeveloped.

On the technical front, the cinematography is strong in several scenes, beautifully capturing the terrain and battlefield tension. However, a few shaky shots reduce the overall polish. The background score is adequate, and while the editing is weak in the first half, it improves noticeably in the second. Some dialogues land well, and the locations give the film a realistic touch. Director Razneesh Ghai, who previously struggled with Dhaakad, takes on a more grounded story this time. 120 Bahadur is undoubtedly a better effort, but as a standalone project, it remains average. The film leans heavily on familiar references and doesn't build a unique identity of its own. Still, the intention behind telling this story is sincere, and the portrayal of sacrifice earns respect. In the end, 120 Bahadur may not be a great war film, but it is a decent one that pays tribute to real heroes.

RATING - 5/10*

120 Bahadur delivers a thrilling fusion of violence, tension, and cultural storytelling, blending Hindi and English in a way that makes the film accessible without sacrificing authenticity. From the very beginning, it becomes clear that the filmmakers aimed to create something bold-something that stands firmly within its cultural roots while still embracing a global audience. The result is a foreign film that captures the intensity and excitement you hope for when stepping into a world different from your own, yet familiar enough to follow with ease.

The direction is one of the strongest aspects of the film. The director skillfully balances cultural specificity with universal appeal, ensuring that viewers from any background can engage with the story. The world-building is rich and immersive, without ever feeling overcomplicated or exclusive. Even when language barriers arise, the film communicates its emotions and stakes clearly. What's impressive is how the director incorporates elements from multiple cultures to bridge international understanding, rather than assuming only local audiences will grasp the nuances.

One of the greatest pleasures of watching 120 Bahadur is the accessibility of its storytelling. While the film remains firmly rooted in its native language, it is crafted in a way that allows non-speakers to follow the narrative without constantly relying on subtitles. Of course, there are moments where missing a subtitle may cause slight confusion, but never to the extent that the viewer becomes lost. Instead, the performances, pacing, and visual cues guide the viewer naturally through each scene. It is a perfect example of how foreign cinema can transcend language and still connect deeply.

The screenplay itself is engaging and thoughtfully structured. While it may not reach absolute perfection, it succeeds in shaping a clear and compelling world for the audience. It presents a strong narrative foundation that supports the film's high-energy execution and emotional resonance. The pacing works for the story being told, and the script gives every major plot point time to breathe. This is the kind of writing that allows viewers to immerse themselves fully in the film's environment without feeling overwhelmed or underserved.

The lead actor is a standout force within the film. His performance carries both strength and vulnerability, grounding the action-heavy narrative with genuine emotion. He brings intensity to the role while never losing sight of the character's humanity. The supporting cast works in harmony with him, elevating his journey and building a believable sense of community and conflict. Their collective work strengthens the film's impact and helps shape its emotional arc in a meaningful way.

120 Bahadur is a thrilling, well-executed film that strikes a rare balance between cultural authenticity and broad accessibility. It delivers gripping action, memorable performances, and thoughtful world-building that make the viewing experience both exciting and fulfilling. While the screenplay isn't flawless, it absolutely succeeds in crafting a story worth watching. This is a foreign film that does exactly what it sets out to do-and does it well. If you're looking for an engaging cinematic experience that transcends borders, definitely check this one out.

120 Bahadur is a gripping and deeply respectful tribute to the valour of Major Shaitan Singh and the 120 Ahir soldiers who fought the legendary Battle of Rezang La. The film stands out for its authenticity-realistic war sequences, stunning cinematography, and a background score that elevates every moment without overwhelming it.

The performances are exceptional, with Farhan Akhtar leading the narrative with remarkable depth and sensitivity. The supporting cast delivers strongly, making the battle scenes intense, immersive, and emotionally stirring. The movie stays engaging from start to finish, offering a memorable cinematic experience rooted in honour, sacrifice, and duty.

While the film excels in storytelling and technical brilliance, the songs could have been more engaging, and the emotional connection from the family's perspective feels slightly underexplored, which could have added an extra layer of impact.

Overall, 120 Bahadur is a must-watch, a proud tribute to the nation's heroes, and a film that leaves a lasting impression.

Rating: 9/10 for the effort and execution.