120 Bahadur Review: Farhan Akhtar's Patriotic Tale Makes A Decent War Drama

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ✨ 2.5/5*

120 Bahadur Review Movie Talkies:

Farhan Akhtar returns to the big screen after a long gap and picks a patriotic drama that certainly has emotional weight. The intent behind 120 Bahadur is noble, and the film highlights a chapter of Indian military bravery that deserves recognition. But the problem is that the war-action genre has already reached extraordinary heights over the years. Classics like Haqeeqat and Border have set strong benchmarks in Hindi cinema, and on the global front, films such as All Quiet on the Western Front, Patton, Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge, and the visually stunning 1917 have redefined how war stories are told. Because I have seen of these, 120 Bahadur feels dated and only partially impactful. Several scenes appear inspired by well-known moments from older films, which may leave viewers feeling less engaged. Still, the film finds its emotional strength in the final 20 minutes and manages to close on a respectable, heartfelt note.

120 Bahadur Story:

The story opens with the introduction of Shaitaan Singh (Farhan Akhtar), a calm and composed leader whose entry may remind many of Sunny Deol’s iconic introduction in Border (1997). While the rest of the platoon members are shown indulging in small fights and banter, Shaitaan Singh stands out thanks to his motivational speeches and disciplined presence. Meanwhile, Chinese forces are gradually moving towards Indian territory, and Shaitaan has a clear plan to counter them. However, his seniors don’t fully trust his instincts. Because of this hesitation, the Chinese army manages to enter a vulnerable narrow pass. From here, the responsibility of defending the land falls entirely on Shaitaan Singh and his 120 courageous soldiers, who must stop thousands of invading enemies. The question remains: can they hold the fort and protect the nation against impossible odds?

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The first half of 120 Bahadur is undoubtedly slow and repetitive. Scenes feel stretched, and the flow doesn’t build steady interest. The humor feels out of place, and many of the jokes simply don’t land. The bond between soldiers also lacks the organic charm seen in films like Border. Each character seems to have his own isolated arc, and the emotional connection between them doesn’t develop strongly in the early portions. The only element keeping these scattered pieces together is Shaitaan Singh’s leadership and the respect his men hold for him. The second half is more engaging, as the action sequences pick up and the intensity increases. Still, a few pacing hiccups interrupt the build-up. The film’s final act, although predictable, works better than expected because it arrives after more than two hours of uneven storytelling. The emotional weight of witnessing 120 soldiers choosing sacrifice over retreat leaves a genuine impact. Even if the film doesn’t fully achieve cinematic greatness, it does succeed in highlighting the courage of these brave men.

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120 Bahadur Cast:

Performance-wise, Farhan Akhtar leads with sincerity but delivers only a moderately effective portrayal. The passion and power he displayed in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag are missing here. His voice modulation and physical presence feel slightly underplayed for the role of a commanding officer. Raashii Khanna is predictable in her limited part. Ajinkya Deo and Eijaz Khan, who play senior officers, perform decently. Ashutosh Shukla, Ankit Siwach, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Sahib Verma, Sparsh Walia and others contribute well to the ensemble, even though some roles feel underdeveloped.

120 Bahadur Movie Review:

On the technical front, the cinematography is strong in several scenes, beautifully capturing the terrain and battlefield tension. However, a few shaky shots reduce the overall polish. The background score is adequate, and while the editing is weak in the first half, it improves noticeably in the second. Some dialogues land well, and the locations give the film a realistic touch. Director Razneesh Ghai, who previously struggled with Dhaakad, takes on a more grounded story this time. 120 Bahadur is undoubtedly a better effort, but as a standalone project, it remains average. The film leans heavily on familiar references and doesn’t build a unique identity of its own. Still, the intention behind telling this story is sincere, and the portrayal of sacrifice earns respect. In the end, 120 Bahadur may not be a great war film, but it is a decent one that pays tribute to real heroes.

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