Farhan Akhtar’s ‘120 Bahadur’ Opens in US Theaters to Mixed Reviews and Historical Controversy
‘120 Bahadur’ Storms USA Box Office: Mixed Critics’ Verdict and On-Screen Controversy Spark Debate
Farhan Akhtar’s ambitious war drama, 120 Bahadur, has officially arrived in US theaters today, November 21, 2025, and the response is already proving to be as intense as the battle it portrays. Following special paid previews on November 18, which coincided with the 63rd anniversary of the legendary Battle of Rezang La, the first wave of reviews has hit, presenting a divided critical opinion just as the film begins its theatrical run across major American cinema chains, including Cinemark. The highly-anticipated Hindi film, which chronicles the extraordinary courage of Major Shaitan Singh and his 120 soldiers during the 1962 Indo-China War, is navigating a complex release landscape marked by both high military praise and pointed historical backlash.
For the massive South Asian diaspora in the United States and global cinephiles who track significant foreign releases, 120 Bahadur represents more than just a patriotic film; it is a major cinematic event, backed by the powerhouse Excel Entertainment. The film’s immediate challenge is converting the strong national sentiment it evokes into robust box office numbers in the competitive US market, especially with critics delivering a nuanced, rather than uniformly glowing, verdict.
The Critical Firefight: Strong Climax vs. Weak Narrative Pacing
The earliest professional reviews for 120 Bahadur suggest a film of two halves: a powerful, visceral climax countered by a meandering and less engaging setup. The critical consensus, averaging around a 3 to 3.5-star rating out of 5, acknowledges the sheer emotional and patriotic energy of the war sequences but points to significant flaws in the film’s narrative construction.
Critics have lauded the film’s high-octane battle sequences and the overall commitment to honoring the heroes of Rezang La. Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a Param Vir Chakra recipient, has been singled out for its nuance and intensity, marking a strong return to the big screen for the actor. The technical aspects also received high marks, with Tetsuo Nagata’s cinematography capturing the unforgiving, snow-covered terrains of Ladakh and Satish Raghunathan’s background score amplifying the drama.
However, the praise is tempered by concerns over the film’s narrative structure. Reviewers have highlighted an excessive reliance on backstories and a perceived ‘ordinary’ first half. Specific complaints include rushed subplots and the insertion of uninspiring songs that reportedly slow the film’s momentum and fail to fully engage the audience through the middle portions. A forced subplot involving Raashii Khanna’s character, the wife of Major Shaitan Singh, was noted as particularly weakening the flow of the main heroic arc.
This mixed early response puts immediate pressure on the film’s full theatrical debut, as word-of-mouth will be crucial in determining its long-term commercial success, especially in the US, where audiences often wait for critical validation before purchasing tickets for a foreign-language film.
Military Praise and Historical Backlash: A Divided Reception
The contrast between the film’s official reception and public debate is stark. On one hand, the film received the highest possible endorsement from the Indian military establishment. Following a special screening, Army Chief General Dwivedi offered a glowing review, stating that the film has “emotion, it has valour, it has team spirit” and concluded that 120 Bahadur “deserves a standing ovation”. This level of praise is an extraordinary boost for a film focusing on military history, setting a powerful patriotic tone for its release.
On the other hand, the film has quickly become embroiled in a significant cultural and historical debate. Reports indicate that the movie faces backlash from the Ahir community over alleged historical distortions. The Battle of Rezang La is historically significant as it was fought primarily by a company of 120 Ahir soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment. Any perceived misrepresentation or misattribution of the credit and specifics of their sacrifice has generated intense discussion and controversy among the community and historical enthusiasts. This ‘social buzz,’ while creating additional attention, adds a layer of complexity to the film’s reputation that filmmakers must now contend with.
This dual reception—official high praise versus community-led controversy—is a major part of the film’s narrative as it launches worldwide. For US audiences, particularly those attuned to cultural and historical authenticity, this debate is likely to influence their decision to see the film.
The USA Theatrical Strategy: English Subtitles and Cinemark Footprint
The launch of 120 Bahadur in the United States confirms the growing viability of the North American market for high-profile Indian cinema. The film is screening with Hindi dialogue and English subtitles, a standard practice for international releases, ensuring accessibility for a broader American audience beyond the diaspora.
The presence of 120 Bahadur showtimes on major cinema websites, such as Cinemark, signals a significant, concerted theatrical push. The US distribution strategy, targeting major metropolitan areas with high concentrations of South Asian populations, is designed to capitalize on the initial patriotic fervor. However, advance bookings have been described as modest, reflecting a trend where initial ticket sales don’t always match the high interest shown by users on online booking platforms. The producers are now heavily relying on the positive word-of-mouth generated by the special previews and the national buzz to drive ticket sales throughout the opening weekend and beyond, a common pattern for niche foreign-language films succeeding in the US.
The film’s success in the American market will be a litmus test for the enduring appeal of Indian war dramas and Farhan Akhtar’s international star power. A robust performance in the US would solidify the film’s status as a major global release, proving that a nuanced, patriotic film can overcome production challenges (which included unforeseen delays, budget overruns, and logistical setbacks reported on November 19) to achieve box office stability.
In conclusion, 120 Bahadur has begun its journey in US theaters as a film wrapped in high expectations, critical duality, and a charged historical conversation. For American viewers, it offers a glimpse into one of the most heroic and tragic battles in Indian history, albeit through a lens that some find flawed, yet one that an entire army chief deems worthy of a standing ovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the true story behind the movie 120 Bahadur?
A: The movie is based on the legendary Battle of Rezang La, which took place on November 18, 1962, during the Sino-Indian War (Indo-China War). It depicts the final stand of 120 soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment’s ‘Charlie Company,’ led by Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (played by Farhan Akhtar), who fought to the last man against an overwhelmingly larger Chinese force.
Q: Who is the director and main star of 120 Bahadur?
A: The film is directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati.
Q: Where can I watch 120 Bahadur in the USA?
A: 120 Bahadur had its full theatrical release in the USA on November 21, 2025. It is being screened in major cinema chains like Cinemark and other theaters that routinely show Indian films, typically with Hindi dialogue and English subtitles.
Q: Why is there controversy surrounding the film?
A: The controversy stems from backlash from the Ahir community. The Ahir community alleges that the film contains historical distortions regarding the composition and contribution of the Ahir soldiers in the 13 Kumaon Regiment at the Battle of Rezang La.
Q: What is the critical reception of 120 Bahadur?
A: The early critical reception is mixed. While critics praise the film’s strong patriotic fervor, the gripping climax, and Farhan Akhtar’s performance, they criticize the slow pace of the first half, rushed subplots, and the inclusion of unnecessary songs. The film has received average ratings of around 3 to 3.5 stars.
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