Director Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai has revealed his reasons for choosing Farhan Akhtar to portray Major Shaitan Singh in the upcoming war epic, 120 Bahadur. The film, set to release on November 21, 2025, tells the story of the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 India-China War, where 120 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment stood against overwhelming odds.
Ghai expressed his admiration for Akhtar's sincerity and honesty in his performances. He noted that Akhtar brings a certain integrity to every role, whether it's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag or other characters he has portrayed. This sincerity was a key factor in Ghai's decision, as he felt it was essential for portraying Major Shaitan Singh accurately. When Akhtar agreed to take on the role, Ghai was overjoyed.
According to Ghai, Akhtar's dedication and work ethic are remarkable. He also praised Akhtar's humility and respect on set, noting that despite being a filmmaker himself, Akhtar never interfered with Ghai's direction. Instead, Akhtar would offer suggestions with respect, always seeking Ghai's input. Ghai sees a lot of himself in Akhtar, as they both share a commitment to perfection, which made shooting the film a joy.
120 Bahadur promises to be an ambitious Indian war film, featuring international action crews and large-scale battlefield sequences. The film is produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios. Akhtar reportedly underwent intense preparation to authentically portray Major Shaitan Singh, blending quiet resolve with fiery leadership. The supporting cast includes Raashii Khanna in a pivotal role.
The trailer for 120 Bahadur, released on August 5, 2025, emphasizes the emotional depth and historical reverence of the story. It conveys the grand scale of the battle with icy terrain and immersive cinematography. The film's marketing strategy included a teaser launch alongside War 2 to maximize audience exposure.
120 Bahadur aims to be a cinematic tribute that exceeds expectations, with Akhtar's magnetic performance and Ghai's directorial precision. The film tells a story rooted in real sacrifice and promises to be both epic and intimate.
