Directed by Razneesh Ghai, Farhan Akhtar plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati in this historical war action film 120 Bahadur that documents and recounts the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Raashii Khanna plays Shagun Kanwar who is Shaitan Singh’s wife.
One develops a lump in the throat while watching the bravery of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati who valiantly put up a brave fight with mere 120 against repeated onslaught by over 3,000 Chinese soldiers in the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 war. “Hum Peechhe Nahin Hatenge!” was his war cry (We won’t fall back).
Based on the Battle of Rezang La during the Sino Indian war of 1962
It was during the cold wintery days of November where this “Bahadur’ and his men kept the Chinese contingent at bay. All of them ended up giving up their lives while saving the Chushul Valley of Ladakh during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, not without inflicting heavy casualties to the enemy.
Firstly the cinematography of the snow laden valley needs to be lauded. Ankit Siwach as Ramlal, Vivan Bhatena as Jemadar Surja Ram, Dhanveer Singh as Jemadar Hariram Singh, Sparsh Walia and even Sahib Verma as Nanha also deserve a special mention for their superb performances.
Though, there is nothing like novelty in the story that is documented in history books and even seen in some of earlier films like Haqeeqat or LOC or Border, yet 120 Bahadur has several moments that touch one’s heart. The courage of the 37‑year‑old major, who died fighting the Chinese soldiers with fierce resolve, is deeply touching.
Farhan Akhtar simply scores as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the director Razneesh Ghai brings to life searing, heart‑wrenching truths from the harrowing incidents of that war. The mainstream commercial heroine of Malayalam and Telugu films, Raashii Khanna keeps aside her glamour and plays a devoted housewife.
120 Bahadur leaves a very painful impression because there isn’t any relief, there are moments of lighthearted as well as some serious squabble between the soldiers. Yet watching the film would be a wonderful experience. Running time 137 minutes
– Review by JYOTHI VENKATESH
Cast of 120 Bahadur-
Narration by Amitabh Bachchan
Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati
Raashii Khanna as Shagun Kanwar (Shaitan Singh’s wife)
Ankit Siwach as Ramlal
Vivan Bhatena as Jemadar Surja Ram
Dhanveer Singh as Jemadar Hariram Singh
Sahib Verma as Nanha
Sparsh Walia as Ramchander Yadav (Radio operator)
Ajinkya Deo as T.N. Raina Brigade commander of 144 mountain brigade
Eijaz Khan as Lt Col H.N. Dhingra
Ashutosh Shukla as Dharampal Singh Dahiya
Atul Singh as Nihal Singh
Brijesh Karanwal as Jairam Kaka
Devendra Ahirwar as Baingan
Digvijay Pratap as Jemadar Saab
Credits of 120 Bahadur-
Production companies – Excel Entertainment, Trigger Happy Studios
Directed by Razneesh Ghai
Written by Rajiv G. Menon
Dialogues by Sumit Arora
Produced by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Amit Chandra
Cinematography – Tetsuo Nagata
Edited by Rameshwar S. Bhagat
Songs by Amit Trivedi, Salim–Sulaiman, Amjad Nadeem Aamir
BGM Score: Satish Raghunathan
