Farhan Akhtar is stepping into one of the most demanding roles of his career with 120 Bahadur, and the actor admits the responsibility has been unlike anything he has carried before. He takes on the real-life role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who led 120 brave soldiers during the historic Battle of Rezang La in 1962.
Fahan Akhtar On Toughest Part Of Playing Major Shaitan Singh
In an interview with Filmfare, Farhan reflected on the emotional and physical challenges that came with portraying a national hero. The actor spent nearly two months filming in Ladakh, where the team shot in extreme temperatures and high-altitude locations to bring authenticity to the story.
When asked about the toughest part of playing Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, Farhan said, “I mean, it definitely was a challenge. It is always an additional responsibility when one has to portray a real-life hero because his institution that he served in the armed forces uh his family, and people who knew him well uh will always uh look to you you do justice to the part. So with that responsibility in mind, I approached it. And then of course, Razi, who directed the film um was very clear in terms of the treatment and what he wanted to do. So that made it a little bit easier.”
He also opened up about the physical demands of filming in Ladakh. “But shooting in Ladak is always – it’s beautiful, of course, but it comes with its own set of challenges. So we were there for a good 8 to nine weeks filming. It was a memorable experience.”
About 120 Bahadur
120 Bahadur tells the story of one of the most heroic chapters in Indian military history. The film retells the story of the 120 soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment who fought against nearly 3,000 Chinese troops at an unforgiving high-altitude post. Despite the overwhelming odds, they held their ground with courage, unity and an unbreakable spirit.
The movie aims to capture not just the scale of the battle, but also the humanity of the soldiers who continued fighting even when they had little ammunition and no incoming support. Their sacrifice remains one of the most respected war stories in the country.
Directed by Razneesh Ghai, the film features a strong ensemble alongside Farhan. Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, and Ankit Siwach play key roles in the narrative. Actors like Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Vivan Bhatena and Ajinkya Deo add further depth to the cast.
A special highlight is the involvement of Amitabh Bachchan (who serves as the narrator).
Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, the film reportedly carries a budget of around Rs 100 crore, including post-production.
The movie runs for 2 hours and 17 minutes and holds a U/A certificate. 120 Bahadur is set to release in theatres on November 21, 2025. It will also become the first Indian film to receive a special release across defence theatres, giving armed forces personnel a chance to experience the story in a dedicated format.
