A glimpse of Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming film, 120 Bahadur, was recently shared and has already generated buzz about the story. The first glimpse of the movie reveals that it is based on an ‘incredible true story’ when 120 Indians fought with 3000 Chinese soldiers. Showcasing the colossal valour and bravery of the Indian Army, the film tells the story of the Battle of Rezang La during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. As the untold sacrifice of the 120 soldiers is going to be shown with pride in the cinemas, here’s everything to know about this heroic and patriotic chapter of the Indian Army.
Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur is based on the real story of the Battle of Rezang La
The two-minute teaser of Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur has depicted the army in the harsh terrain of Eastern Ladakh, where temperatures reached beyond freezing. In 1962, during the Sino-Indian war, hundreds of real-life Indian soldiers had to face this harsh landscape while surrounded by hostile adversaries that dominated them in terms of numbers. Amid this war, the Battle of Rezang La has cemented itself in India’s heroic history, with 120 fearless soldiers defending the mountain pass that stands in the sub-zero region of Eastern Ladakh.
These 120 bahadurs belonged to the 13 Kumaon regiment, which mostly comprised Ahir soldiers of Haryana. A strategic and crucial point in India’s military geography, this mountain pass was defended by 120 soldiers against a horde of 3000 Chinese soldiers. Even though the Indian soldiers were glaringly outnumbered and did not have as advanced weapons as the foe, they had their determination and valour. They even engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the combatants when their weapons failed.
Farhan Akhtar is playing the role of real-life hero, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati
Major Shaitan Singh Bhati fought in the Battle of Rezang La with so much gallantry and unwavering patriotism that he made the saying, ‘fight till the last breath’ true. Even under heavy firing from both sides, Major Shaitan Singh moved around, covering all bases to lend courage to his fellow soldiers. During the battle, the Major was gravely wounded, but he refused to go to safety and instead chose to fight until his last breath.
Posthumously, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. 63 years later, his story will be told through the film, 120 Bahadur, and Farhan Akhtar will be playing his role. Along with the Major, India lost 114 soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the battle, but not a defeat. The Chinese Army admitted to suffering many casualties. They also did not try to trespass further into the mountain range. To remind of the extraordinary heroism that the 120 Indian soldiers showed on that fateful day in November, a memorial stands in Rezang La in honour of the fallen heroes.
More about the film, 120 Bahadur
Farhan Akhtar will be returning to the big screen on November 21, 2025, with 120 Bahadur after staying away from the limelight since his last film, Toofan, released in 2021. The upcoming film has been directed by Razneesh Ghai and is produced under the Excel Entertainment banner. To stay authentic to the real story, the film has been shot in parts of Ladakh and Rajasthan as well. With a poster and teaser released recently, people are eagerly awaiting an epic trailer.
What are your thoughts on Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur based on a true story? Let us know.
Also Read: 120 Bahadur’s Teaser Is Out: Farhan Akhtar Returns To The Screens With Promising Role After 6 Years