For director Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, 120 Bahadur isn’t just another war film — it’s a deeply personal story that’s been close to his heart for years. Speaking to the media during the film’s music launch at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai, the filmmaker revealed how his connection to the army and his family’s history shaped the making of this ambitious project.
“My father was in the army, and when I became a filmmaker my brother told me this story,” Ghai shared. “When I heard it, I had to make it. I tried to make it for another five years — nothing happened — and then I met these boys (Farhan and Ritesh) and then it happened. So it’s a labor of love. I hope people enjoy it.” His words carried the weight of patience, perseverance, and passion — three things that have clearly defined the film’s long journey to the screen.
120 Bahadur, directed by Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and Raashii Khanna as Shagun Kanwari Singh, his wife. The film retells the heroic true story of the Battle of Rezang La, one of the most defining moments of the Sino-Indian War of 1962. In that battle, 120 soldiers from the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment — all Ahirs — fought against a 3,000-strong Chinese force, inflicting over 1,300 casualties while defending their post to the last man.
The story of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, stands as a symbol of unparalleled bravery and sacrifice — themes that Ghai says resonated with him deeply as the son of an army officer. His goal, he noted, was to create a film that balances historical authenticity with emotional truth, while honoring the indomitable spirit of India’s soldiers.
However, 120 Bahadur has also sparked controversy among Yadav communities, who have called for a title change to 120 Veer Ahir, emphasizing the Ahir identity of the soldiers who fought at Rezang La. While the production has not commented officially on the matter, the conversation highlights the cultural sensitivity and emotional depth surrounding the story.
With its theatrical release set for November 21, 2025, 120 Bahadur is shaping up to be not just a war epic — but a heartfelt tribute to courage, resilience, and memory.