120 Bahadur review: A sincere tribute to the 1962 Rezang La heroes that delivers a delayed payoff!

The slow start of this Farhan Akhtar starrer is redeemed by a visually stunning, action-heavy second half honoring the 1962 battle.

As an army kid myself, I’m naturally fascinated by war films. However stories of extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families, told with outright respect and sincerity towards their service to the nation without falling for easy stereotypes or unnecessary gore is a challenging feat that few films achieve. Nonetheless, it's safe to say that Razneesh Ghai’s 120 Bahadur, despite some narrative flaws, manages to touch your heart by highlighting the raw and unwavering spirit of the Battle of Rezang La in 1962. Based on a crucial juncture of the Indo-China war, the film is narrated  through the recollections of a radio operator Ramchander(Sparsh Walia) and depicts how 120 soldiers, from 13 Kumaon regiment, under the leadership of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (Farhan Akhtar) defied the odds to protect the Rezang La pass in falling under the control of 3000 Chinese troops in adverse conditions.Heroes are defined by the odds they overcome and the re-telling of this chapter does a fair job with building on the challenges Indian forces had to face right from the basics to the arsenal. 

However, the first of the film is strictly passable and an underwhelming experience thanks to its flat narration that fails to create an emotional connection or keep you hooked as an audience. We have a template introduction to the sharp wit and courage of the protagonist, a quick peek into his family life and the Border-sque camaraderie within the regiment members who come from similar cultural backgrounds. The soldiers are well cast and their perfect Haryanvi accent and mannerism manages to keep the film rooted. However, the vibe remains slow and uneven with some of these scenes looking forced, even out-of place at times devoiding the film of its emotional anchor that is the make or break point of any actioner. 

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The film, however, picks in the action-heavy second half that saves the film in a respectful manner. Tetsuo Nagata’s cinematography combined with Excel’s production values deliver a visually captivating experience. The film is shot on the lethally beautiful terrains of Ladakh adding an extra layer of authenticity. Moreover, the battle sequences, especially the hand-to-hand combats are shot and choreographed neatly that deliver a genuine sense of intensity of the events. The hour long sequence captures the hostile battle fray, the emotional conflicts of soldiers and their resilience taking on an all-mighty opponent with an added disadvantage of rough weather conditions, with dignity and flair. 

As the regiment's Major and commander, Farhan Akhtar offers a measured performance, embodying the sagacious and experienced sharp-shooter with quiet authority. He leads his troops with heart and head and commands genuine respect and admiration from his boys. However, despite his efforts, he doesn't entirely shed the feeling of being a miscast for the role. His inherently urban looks and refined accent occasionally create a sense of disconnect from the socio-cultural setting of the character's background. Besides Vivan Bhatena, and Eijaz Khan who essay Major Bhati’s senior too lend impressive support as the strong-headed and feisty army officers. Overall, 120 Bahadur, despite lacking a tight narration and the emotional connect of a compelling war drama, still manages to offer a heartfelt, sincere tribute to our forgotten heroes.

120 Bahadur is now playing in cinema halls near you!

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