Farhan Akhtar’s latest war drama, “120 Bahadur,” navigates the delicate balance between critical acclaim and box-office performance. Despite receiving positive reviews for its gripping tale of courage and sacrifice, the film struggled to attract audiences during its theatrical run. However, it is now set to reach a wider audience with its recent OTT release.
On Friday, Prime Video took to social media to announce the film’s availability for streaming, showcasing a montage of emotional scenes from the narrative. The announcement emphasized the film’s themes of bravery with a caption that read, “64 years back, courage had 120 new names. What happened next? #120BahadurOnPrime — watch now.” Originally released in theaters in November 2024, the film didn’t perform well financially, despite the accolades it received.
“120 Bahadur” tells the poignant story of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who earned the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his extraordinary courage during the Battle of Rezang La. Critics lauded the film for its powerful performances and high-impact war sequences. However, the film managed to gross only ₹24 crore worldwide against a production budget of ₹80 crore.
The film is directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the Excel Entertainment banner, along with Amit Chandrra of Trigger Happy Studios. Farhan Akhtar plays the lead role, supported by a talented cast that includes Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, and Eijaz Khan. The story pays tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment during the legendary battle set in Ladakh’s Rezang La Pass.
In an interview with Masala magazine, Farhan reflected on the emotional weight of the story, stating, “The story is the battle that he fought. It’s become the stuff of legends. When I heard about Shaitan Singh ji and the soldiers who fought alongside him, it really inspired me.” He expressed a deep sense of patriotism throughout the project and highlighted the inspiring message of commitment to one’s country. Akhtar noted that the film genuinely reflects what it means to be Indian, evoking profound emotions within those involved in the storytelling process.