Ladakh: Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is all set to bring a tale of legendary courage to the big screen with his upcoming war drama ‘120 Bahadur’, which was shot in the freezing heights of Ladakh.
The film, inspired by the heroics of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (PVC) during the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, promises to be a heartfelt tribute to Indian soldiers who displayed unimaginable bravery.
According to industry sources, Farhan and his team filmed at 14,000 feet above sea level, where temperatures dropped as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius.
“It was an intense shoot. The aim was to honour the story with honesty, and Farhan really went all in—physically, mentally, emotionally,” said the source.
In the film, Farhan Akhtar steps into the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the Param Vir Chakra awardee who led Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment.
The company, comprising 120 Indian soldiers, stood their ground in the face of overwhelming Chinese forces during the Indo-Sino war, creating a chapter of unmatched courage in Indian military history.
To prepare for the role, Farhan underwent military-style training and spent time acclimatising at high altitude to embody the physical and emotional grit of the real-life war hero.
Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, ‘120 Bahadur’ is backed by Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani) and Trigger Happy Studios (Amit Chandrra). The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 21.
Joining Farhan in the cast are Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, and Hussain Dalal in pivotal roles.
Farhan, who made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, has also directed the war film ‘Lakshya’, and the stylish action thrillers ‘Don’ and ‘Don 2’. As an actor, he was last seen in the boxing drama ‘Toofaan’ in 2021.
With ‘120 Bahadur’, Farhan returns to the war genre, this time in front of the camera, in a story that blends raw patriotism, historical legacy, and emotional intensity—set in the icy battlefields of Ladakh.
