Razneesh "Razy" Ghai, the director of the upcoming war film 120 Bahadur, has revealed the incredible logistical challenges and meticulous planning required to bring this epic story to life. The film, starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role, is based on the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, a heroic last stand where 120 Indian soldiers fought against 3,000 Chinese soldiers in the Himalayas. 120 Bahadur is set to release in cinemas on November 21, 2025.
Ghai emphasized the importance of authenticity in recreating this historical event. To achieve this, a significant portion of the film was shot on location in Ladakh, at altitudes reaching 14,000 feet. This demanding environment presented numerous challenges, including freezing temperatures that sometimes dipped to -8 degrees Celsius at night. Despite the harsh conditions, Ghai lauded the crew's dedication and the incredible amount of work they accomplished. He noted that standing in Ladakh evokes a feeling of insignificance, and no camera lens can truly capture the vastness visible to the naked eye.
The scale of the production was massive, involving a crew of 600 people, heavy equipment such as cranes and lighting trucks, numerous weapons, and hundreds of extras. Ghai wanted the audience to feel as though they were right there in the middle of the war, so he aimed for super-realistic battle sequences. He proudly stated that the film features a 35-minute-long finale, which he believes is unprecedented in Indian cinema. Ghai was determined to avoid making a movie that defied gravity, and he wanted viewers to believe in the reality of the battle.
To enhance the authenticity of the snow-filled battle scenes, the filmmakers enlisted the expertise of snow specialists from England who had previously worked on the acclaimed television series Game of Thrones. These specialists were brought in to create realistic snowstorms, adding another layer of realism to the film. The real Battle of Rezang La took place at 17,000 feet in -24 degrees Celsius amidst blizzards, so capturing the environment accurately was crucial. To further ensure a realistic presentation, the film refrained from heavy reliance on green screens, and instead, the team aimed to replicate the harsh conditions the soldiers faced.
120 Bahadur recounts the story of Major Shaitan Singh PVC and the soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who demonstrated extraordinary courage and sacrifice during the 1962 Indo-China War. Outnumbered, the 120 Indian soldiers faced approximately 3,000 Chinese soldiers. The film is a tribute to their valor and unwavering spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. It is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar of Excel Entertainment, and Amit Chandrra of Trigger Happy Studios. The film also stars Raashii Khanna, Ajinkya Deo, Vivaan Bhatena, Eijaz Khan, and Sparsh Walia in supporting roles.
Ghai's commitment to realism and масштаб production suggest that 120 Bahadur will be a unique and impactful war film. By shooting in actual locations, employing a massive crew, and utilizing the expertise of Game of Thrones snow specialists, Ghai aims to immerse the audience in the harsh realities of the Battle of Rezang La and honor the bravery of the soldiers who fought there.
