Direction: Razneesh Raazi Ghai
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Eijaz Khan
Rating: ★★★☆☆

War dramas in Indian cinema often follow a familiar trajectory: tales of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, interspersed with moments of sentimentality that aim to tug at heartstrings. 120 Bahadur, directed by Razneesh Raazi Ghai, enters this well-trodden territory with a story rooted in one of the most heroic episodes of the 1962 Sino-Indian War—the Battle of Rezang La. Ghai, son of an Indian Army officer, brings a personal lens to this retelling, emphasizing authenticity, but the film struggles initially to find its emotional rhythm.

Story and Narrative

The film recounts the tale of 120 soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who, under the leadership of Shaitan Singh Bhati, defended the Rezang La pass against overwhelming Chinese forces. The story is narrated through the perspective of a radio operator, played by Sparsh Walia, whose recollections guide the audience through both the battlefield and the personal lives of the soldiers. While the premise is compelling and historically significant, the storytelling takes its time to shake off the predictability inherent in many war films.

The first half of the film meanders, balancing between battlefield preparations and glimpses of Shaitan Singh’s life before the battle. Director Razneesh Ghai invests effort in depicting the soldiers’ familial bonds, particularly Shaitan’s relationship with his on-screen wife, played by Raashii Khanna. However, these sequences often feel functional rather than emotionally resonant. A romantic song meant to capture their married life, for instance, feels inserted more out of obligation than necessity, disrupting the narrative flow.

Visuals and Cinematography

Where 120 Bahadur truly impresses is in its visual presentation. Shot on actual locations in Ladakh, the film leverages the stark, rugged beauty of the terrain to convey the soldiers’ isolation and the unforgiving nature of the high-altitude battlefield. Cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata captures the sweeping landscapes with remarkable clarity, making the first half visually compelling even when the emotional stakes lag behind. Ghai’s choice to avoid over-reliance on green or blue screens pays dividends, grounding the film in authenticity and allowing the audience to feel the harshness of the environment the soldiers endured.

Performance Highlights

Farhan Akhtar, portraying Shaitan Singh Bhati, anchors the film with gravitas and command. His screen presence feels naturally suited to a leader tasked with inspiring courage under impossible circumstances. Yet, his trademark suave mannerisms occasionally pull viewers out of the immersion, reminding us that Farhan the actor is on screen rather than Shaitan the soldier. The climax, however, sees him shedding these flourishes to deliver a performance that feels earned and impactful.

Sparsh Walia as the radio operator provides a steady narrative anchor, while Raashii Khanna’s portrayal of Shaitan’s wife is serviceable, though her character arc does little to advance the story. Eijaz Khan and other supporting cast members provide competent performances, but it is the ensemble moments—the soldiers’ camaraderie, moments of tension on the battlefield—that resonate the most.

The Battle and Emotional Core

The second half of 120 Bahadur is where the film finds its footing. As the confrontation between the Indian and Chinese forces escalates, the storytelling turns raw and visceral. The battle sequences do not shy away from blood and sacrifice, and the bravery of the soldiers is depicted with a stark, sobering realism that pulls at the viewer’s emotions. A particularly poignant moment comes when the Chinese army acknowledges Shaitan Singh’s courage, reinforcing the humanity amid conflict.

It is here that the film’s technical strengths—direction, cinematography, and sound design—merge effectively with the emotional stakes, creating moments that genuinely stir. The sheer selflessness of the soldiers nudges the audience toward tears, making the narrative’s slower first half somewhat forgiven.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its sincerity and technical craft, 120 Bahadur struggles to maintain a consistently strong emotional spine. The early sections are weighed down by familiar tropes and predictable storytelling, while the personal backstories, though well-intentioned, lack depth. The film would have benefited from a tighter screenplay that balanced sentiment and spectacle more deftly, ensuring the emotional highs land with more force.

Moreover, certain sequences, such as romantic interludes or minor character arcs, feel extraneous and dilute the impact of the central narrative. A sharper focus on the soldiers’ motivations, camaraderie, and the immediacy of their peril could have elevated the film from a respectful tribute to a truly stirring war drama.

Verdict

120 Bahadur is a heartfelt homage to one of India’s most heroic military episodes. It showcases Farhan Akhtar in a commanding role, presents the Ladakh terrain with breathtaking authenticity, and depicts the grit and sacrifice of the Rezang La soldiers with sincerity. However, the film’s emotional connection is uneven, and its storytelling meanders before delivering the impact it promises.

While the film succeeds in honoring its subjects, it falls short of the lingering emotional resonance a story of this magnitude deserves. A more cohesive narrative and a stronger, consistent emotional thread could have transformed 120 Bahadur from a respectful retelling into an unforgettable war epic.

Rating: ★★★☆☆
A sincere tribute, technically proficient, yet only gradually stirring.