Name: 120 Bahadur
Director: Rajneesh Ghai
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Raashi Khanna, Vivian Bhatena, Ejaz Khan, Sparsh Walia
Author: Rajeev G Menon
Rating: 2.5/5
plot
Produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, 120 Bahadur is based on a true story. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film is based on Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who along with 120 soldiers, saves Rezang La, Chushul from being captured by the Chinese army. Set during the 1962 India-China War, it narrates the brave stand of 120 Indian Army soldiers who fought neck-to-neck against a 3,000-strong Chinese contingent that had infiltrated the Rezang La Pass. The Indian Army emerged victorious, and the film attempts to show how they achieved the impossible, the difficulties they faced and the wisdom of Major Bhati.
what works
Cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata deserves the highest praise for capturing Ladakh like never before; Each moving frame feels like a work of poetry. Director Rajneesh Ghai’s vision shines, especially in the fight choreography; Despite the challenging terrain, its performance is excellent. Sathish Raghunathan’s background score adds the right punch to the war scenes, with the clang of metal and sounds of gunfire adding to the tension. At certain moments, the sound design also provides unexpected jump scares. The second part is particularly entertaining and holds your attention.
Watch the trailer of the film here:
The first part of 120 Bahadur walks on familiar ground; We have seen similar beats in many war films. Light banter among the soldiers and healthy disagreements between the Major and the commanding officer seem routine and leave no lasting impression. The pacing of the storytelling is uneven, especially as the sudden introduction of the soldiers’ backstories disrupts the flow of the narrative. The songs are good but lack the mass appeal expected from a patriotic film. The dialogues also fail to arouse a strong patriotic fervor, possibly a result of war-film fatigue.
Exhibition of
120 Bahadur marks Farhan Akhtar’s return to the big screen after almost four years, and yet, he plays the powerful and brave Major Shaitan Singh Bhati in 70mm. While he shines in moments of anger, powerful dialogue writing would have added to the gravitas. Raashi Khanna gives capable support as Major’s wife Sagun. Vivian Bhatena (Jamadar Surja Ram) comes to the fore with his beautifully composed voice. Aijaz Khan is impressive as the commanding officer. Newcomer Sparsh Walia (Ram Chander Yadav) gets a dedicated subplot and makes a promising start.
Ankit Siwach (Ramlal), Ajinkya Dev (Brigadier), Dhanveer Singh (Jamadar Hareram Singh), Ashutosh Shukla (Dharampal), Atul Singh (Brinjal), Brijesh Karanwala (Jayaram Kaka), Digvijay Pratap (Jamadar Saab), Sahib Verma (Nanha), Devendra Ahirwar (Brinjal), Freddy Chan and Marcus Mao have given solid, committed performances.
final call
120 Bahadur is a story the country deserves to know. Despite its flaws, it honors the courage of the martyrs of the Battle of Rezang La. See it as a tribute to their sacrifice.
