120 Bahadur  Movie Review– A Poignant Ode to Courage and Sacrifice

120 Bahadur is more than a war narrative it unfolds as a deeply affecting tribute to Major Shaitan Singh and the 120 soldiers who resisted overwhelming odds with unyielding resolve. Rooted in true events, the film blends visceral combat sequences with quiet emotional depth, honouring men whose courage extended far beyond the battlefield. Without slipping into overt sentimentality, the narrative presents the stark realities of conflict, allowing the audience to feel both its harshness and the stoic resilience of those who endured it.

Farhan Akhtar delivers one of his most restrained and convincing performances as Major Shaitan Singh. He embodies the officer’s composure, integrity and inner strength with commendable subtlety, anchoring the film with a measured intensity that lingers beyond the closing frame. The ensemble cast, particularly those portraying the jawans, supports him with grounded, unaffected performances that add to the film’s authenticity.

The technical aspects of the film are noteworthy for their fidelity. The production design and cinematography evoke the snow-laden battle terrain with precision, using silence and vastness as narrative tools. The action sequences are tightly executed, and while the background score occasionally leans toward emphasis, it largely supports the film's emotional undertones without overpowering them. The craft here is purposeful complementary rather than ornamental.

At its heart, 120 Bahadur is a reflective study of duty, sacrifice and the quiet fraternity that binds soldiers in the face of mortality. It avoids glorification, choosing instead to recognise the strength of those who rise above fear when called upon by their country. With its restrained storytelling, assured central performance and respect for historical memory, the film stands as a dignified homage to the fortitude of India’s unsung heroes.

⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5
A thoughtful, well-crafted war drama that engages with integrity and leaves its impact in stillness rather than spectacle.