User reviews

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*

The real story behind 120 Bahadur is powerful, but the film's execution feels weak and often superficial.

Action scenes lack logic. A Major openly stands in the sniper's line of fire, only for the Indian sniper to shoot from behind and graze his ear. Director thinks that we are dumb.

Chinese soldiers walk in a single-file line toward Indian positions as if they're out for a casual hike, even though they know the Indians are holding ground.

Some combat setups feel artificial and staged. The buildup to close-range fights looks off, although the actual hand-to-hand combat choreography is good.

Lens choices and lighting make the battlefield look like a controlled studio set instead of the LoC.

Farhan Akhtar feels miscast. His vibe is too soft and poetic, almost as if he might slip into "Zinda ho tum..." during serious scenes.

Unnecessary songs break immersion and spoil the pacing.

Chinese army tactics are shown in an extremely unrealistic manner, which hurts the seriousness of the story.

After watching films like Saving Private Ryan, Fury, Dunkirk, 1917, and Black Hawk Down, the lack of immersion here becomes very obvious.

I've read the detailed history of this operation, and the movie doesn't capture its intensity or sacrifice.

The sound design is amazing, and the long-take sequence in the burnt Chinese village is genuinely impressive.

In the end, a great war story that deserved much better. I even yawned in the theatre.

Such an integral part of our Indian Military history and its treated with such mediocrity. The director has made a CRINGE drama. It's the absolute worst of the worst. Please don't watch. Excel has given us movies like LAKSHYA & then this.

The fact that so less work has gone into it is very apparent, case in point in a scene with -24 Celsius temp, the soldiers have a perfectly moisturised skin! Laughable!!!

This film is not based on the true events of the Rezang La battle, but is largely a fictional portrayal. It includes several scenes that have no connection to the actual battle-such as the burning of a village by the Chinese, the sniper sequence, and the depiction of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati engaging in close combat.

It is also disappointing that the film fails to give due space or recognition to the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the 8 Vir Chakra and 2 Sena Medal awardees, who are the true heroes and the real inspiration behind this historic saga.

Full entertaining and informative movie.the movie give chills while watching. The movie is worth watching and this movie can be watched with full family. Thanks to the producer and director and actor for creating such awesome movie and we insist create such movies showing our national hero and their story so that new generation cane be aware of.

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!

Went in expecting a spectacle. Came back disappointed. This story had so much potential, could have been an iconic film for the ages! Should have skipped this one. I'm fuming!!

Bad treatment, dialogues the cinematography during the battle sequence was just lazy! The lighting was truly jarring in a lot of the night scenes on the mountains. Had so much scope to create the atmosphere of a blizzard. Such a wasted opportunity this film!

120 Bahadur" unfortunately squanders an excellent opportunity to present a grounded and powerful story of the extraordinary valour and sacrifice of the Ahir soldiers who stood against 3,000 Chinese troops. Despite the film's noble subject, the direction lacks depth and often feels more like a staged play than a cinematic experience. The screenplay is weak and reminiscent of formulaic daily-soap storytelling, which further dilutes the emotional impact.

The cinematography is commendable in parts, but much of its potential is undermined by the director's inconsistent vision. Overall, the film suffers from cringe-worthy dialogue, uneven tone, and a dated approach that evokes the less authentic Bollywood films of the 1980s. What should have been an inspiring tribute ends up feeling disconnected, unauthentic, and technically careless.

The Braveheart Soldier is a stirring tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the unshakeable spirit of an army man who puts his nation above everything else. The film follows Major Shaitan Singh , a soldier whose journey from a small-town dreamer to a legendary warrior forms the emotional backbone of the story.

From the very first frame, the movie grips you with its authenticity. The battlefield sequences are choreographed with precision-realistic, gritty, and intense without falling into unnecessary exaggeration. But the film's true power lies not in its action, but in its heart.

The background score deserves a special mention. It swells at all the right moments-never overshadowing the scenes, but deepening every emotion. Cinematography, too, is top-notch, with sweeping landscapes, dramatic dusk shots, and raw war-zone frames that stay with you long after the film ends.

What makes this film rise above typical patriotic dramas is its honesty. It doesn't glorify war-it humanizes the warrior. It reminds the audience that true bravery isn't about wielding a gun, but about carrying the weight of responsibility, duty, and sacrifice.

120 bahadur tells the story of the 1962 Indo-China war, focusing on the heroic battle at Rezang La Pass. Farhan Akhtar delivers a strong performance as Major Shaitan Singh, leading the 120 Ahir Company with courage and determination. The film is gripping and has a solid setup.

The personal stories of a few soldiers are emotional and well-written, but the first half spends too much time on these moments, leaving the actual war feeling smaller and rushed.l

The battle scenes are intense, but the scale and VFX could have been stronger. The ending wraps up quickly, leaving some important events underexplored.

Overall, the story is powerful and has great potential, but the screenplay and war depiction hold it back. It's an average watch, with strong performances and a meaningful premise.

All 10/10 reviews are about farhans so called performance. Because that is all this movie is about. Whole thing is like one humongous flashback ,half of the time camera is zoomed in on actors faces. Movie had nothing to do with strategies used by indian army. They make it look like fighting with josh is all that the 124 heroes needed to defeat such a huge army. It did not emphasise on battle tactics used , and the one time shaitan uses the terrain it is a based on an observation of his. Their was no pre planned motive and they just ran into the battlefield with a suicide plan. In the end the had to make the chinese army look stupid by walking in a single file row running straight into open fire to make it look like an actual battle.

Not to mention that chinese soldier at a mid range with a loaded guns running at the enemy with bare fists. It's the height of stupidity.

The cinematography and vfx were nice but made the whole movie loose focus of the main point.

Movie focus too much over the memories of the soldier homes in between the fight scenes. This only destroyed the pace of the fight and the seriousness of the moment.

Overall only reason i am frustrated and venting in this review is because i feel robbed of a potential masterpiece. Thought we would have another URI or Sher Shah.

My bad for expecting something from typical bollywood direction.

120 Bahadur

I was lucky to watch the preview show of 120 Bahadur on the 63rd Anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La.

Farhan Akhtar, take a bow as we tip and doff our hats. While he had access to a lot of references when he played Milkha Singh (Milkha Singh being alive then), to portray Major Shaitan Singh's character he just relied on his sensitivities as an actor.

120 Bahadur is the story of the Battle of Rezang La, during the Indian-China war of 1962.

While we lost the war, our men won this battle.

120 Ahirs were dispatched off from the hinterland plains straight up in the Himalayas at a height of 17000 feet to defend the Chushul airfield; in -24 degrees with just a sweater and scarce food and ammunition. They displayed unimaginable valour, grit and a sense of duty. While they had a choice to withdraw from their post they didn't knowing fully well that they are sure to die.

The cinematography is brilliant, so are the performances and the background score.

Vivaan Bathena, Ankit Siwach, Eijaz Khan, Ajinkya Deo and Rashi Khanna chip in their best.

The film depicts the events as they are mentioned in the government documents. They fought till the last bullet, to the last man.

Also, the film focuses on the war and does not delve into the backstories of jawans except for Major Shaitan Singh's. Those too are few.

There are no 'ho ke majboor mujhe usne bhulaya hoga' moments.

The extensively shot war scenes give you goosebumps.

No one stirred till the last of end credits had rolled.

I could hear sobs all around.

This is one movie that the younger generation must watch. Once they watch 120 Bahadur a few of their definitions like struggle, options and luxury will change drastically.

120 Bahadur makes every Indian proud of our armed forces.

The first half of the film falls flat, and although the second half is somewhat better, it still doesn't fully deliver. The acting is mostly average, with a few moments where it becomes noticeably poor. The biggest issue for me is that I never felt emotionally connected to the characters, even by the end.

Farhan Akhtar's dialogues lack any real motivational impact, and the film leans too heavily on sensational lines that break its natural flow. It's hard to believe this comes from the makers of Lakshya movie, which remains exceptional even today

Overall, the filmmaking is quite mediocre.

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.

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.

I want to attract attention towards the reality of battle of Rezang La. One PVC, one MVC, Eight VrC, 4 Sena Medals ,02 Mention-in -Dispatch and COAS commendation. Here in the movie nothing is shown about 8VrC, I am shocked to see that even name was not mentioned in the movie scenes. The movie is just focused on Maj Saab, who was died die to burst in intestine and was hide by Capt(Hon) Ram Chandra Singh. I personally met Dada Ram Chandra and after seen him I definitely say that the character shown in the movie is like difference between Sky and Soil . I can say that every scene is lack of empathy while making movie .

No scene shown about real Ahirwal from where they all belongs .

It may be due to less knowledge of makers and producers Overall I am very disappointed from FA and his team .

Yadavs are direct descendant from Lord Krishan, not just worshippers .

Dada Kishan Ki Jai🚩

Watched it in the theaters and I am glad I did. A very well crafted film and a story that needs to be told. The cinematography, background score and plot is really well executed. All actors have done a phenomenal job. I highly recommend you watch this in theaters.

My heartfelt thanks to all the soldiers who have kept India safe.

I am furious after watching 120 Bahadur. The makers completely fooled the audience! This movie is nowhere close to the real story, and that is an insult to the brave Ahir soldiers whose sacrifice deserves honesty and respect.

Farhan and the entire team had one job - tell the truth. Instead, they delivered a fictional drama and tried to pass it off as "inspired by real events." This is unacceptable. When you show the story of real heroes, you don't get to play with facts or twist history just to make the film "masala."

This movie feels like a betrayal of the real Ahir Regiment. The bravery of those soldiers was unmatched, and turning their sacrifice into a made-up script is downright disrespectful.

I expected a powerful, truthful tribute. What we got instead was a fake, disappointing, and careless portrayal. Total waste of time and a complete letdown for anyone who respects the Ahir soldiers.

Some chapters in history need to be talked about and 120 Bahadur does the same. A brave story of our forefathers who fought such an intense battle at such extreme conditions and ensured the chushul valley remains integral part of india. Farhan akhtar has done a brilliant acting and especially the fighting sequence show in the movie is superb.

I don't usually write reviews, but this movie compelled me to. Very few films manage to capture the true weight of sacrifice, and this one stands among the rarest. It is not just a war movie - it is a tribute to Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (Param Vir Chakra) and the 120 brave soldiers of the Indian Army who showed unimaginable courage during the Indo-China war of 1962.

Farhan Akhtar, in the lead, delivers one of the most powerful performances of his career. He didn't just act, he became Major Shaitan Singh Bhati. His dedication, intensity, and emotional depth made the story feel real and personal. You could feel the pride, pain, responsibility, and patriotism in every scene.

The film held the audience together from start to finish. And when the climax hit... complete silence in the theatre. People weren't just watching, they were feeling. I had tears in my eyes, and I'm sure many others did too.

The direction, music, pacing, and authenticity make this movie unforgettable. There was no unnecessary melodrama, only truth, courage, and sacrifice.

A heartfelt salute to Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and the 120 immortal soldiers.

Their bravery will live forever in the heart of the nation.

To anyone who hasn't watched it yet, please do. This isn't a film, it's an emotion.

"120 Bahadur" is an absolutely gripping and powerful film that keeps you hooked from the very first frame. The movie never feels boring-not even for a moment. Every scene is crafted with such intensity and emotion that it leaves a lasting impact.

The emotional moments are especially well-executed; they hit hard and feel incredibly real. The acting is outstanding-truly one of the film's strongest qualities. The lead performance is remarkable, bringing depth, strength, and vulnerability to the character in a way that elevates the entire movie.

From the storyline to the direction, from the action to the emotional drama-everything feels perfectly balanced. The film delivers not just entertainment but also a memorable cinematic experience.

In short: 120 Bahadur is a must-watch. Powerful scenes, strong emotions, brilliant acting, and a perfect presentation overall.

1 Based on military life 2 It depicts the story of 120 indian army personnel who fought against 3000 chinese military personnel and try to safeguard the capture of indian land.

3 It is good and well directed movie. Technically= story telling is good , cast performance is good and its ending is also good. Just a little much emotional in mid time but was ok.

The intention behind making this movie was a very noble one as it allowed us the viewers to understand,appreciate and admire the valiant efforts by 120 Indian soldiers in staving off a sure defeat by the 1000 plus Chinese army,in the year 1962,which was just 15 years after India's independence!

Based purely only on the above mentioned fact,I would recommend every patriotic Indian to watch this film.

6/10.

"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.