“120 Bahadur” Honors the Heroism of Rezang La: A Stirring Tribute to India’s Unsung Warriors

Directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, 120 Bahadur brings to life the legendary Battle of Rezang La, where 120 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment’s Charlie Company, led by Major Shaitan Singh, held their ground against overwhelming Chinese forces in Ladakh. This battle, etched in Indian military history, is remembered for its sheer bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Farhan Akhtar leads the cast as Major Shaitan Singh, delivering a performance that captures both the stoic leadership and emotional depth of a man who inspired his troops to fight to the last breath. Raashii Khanna plays Shagun Kanwar, Major Singh’s wife, adding a poignant emotional layer that reflects the personal cost of war. The ensemble cast includes Vivan Bhatena, Ankit Siwach, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajinkya Deo, and Dhanveer Singh, portraying fellow soldiers and comrades-in-arms who embody the spirit of unity and valor.

The film’s historical foundation is deeply rooted in the real events of November 18, 1962, when the outnumbered Indian soldiers fought valiantly at an altitude of 16,000 feet in freezing conditions. Despite being surrounded and cut off from reinforcements, they inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese army. Only a handful survived, and Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.

The production of 120 Bahadur was driven by a sense of national pride and responsibility. The filmmakers consulted military historians and veterans to ensure authenticity, while the cinematography by Tetsuo Nagata captures the stark beauty and harshness of the Himalayan battlefield. The music, composed by Amit Trivedi, Salim–Sulaiman, and Amjad Nadeem Aamir, blends haunting melodies with stirring patriotic themes, amplifying the emotional resonance of the story.

What sets 120 Bahadur apart is its emotional core. It doesn’t just depict war—it humanizes it. Through letters, flashbacks, and intimate moments between soldiers, the film explores themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the quiet dignity of those who serve. The narrative honors not just the fallen, but their families, their dreams, and their unshakable belief in duty.
Released on November 21, 2025, 120 Bahadur is more than a war film—it’s a cinematic salute to courage under fire. It invites audiences to remember, reflect, and revere the legacy of those who stood their ground when the odds were impossible, reminding us that true heroism often lies in the silent resolve of the few who fight for the many.