Court Clears Path for Farhan Akhtar’s War Epic: No Halt to ‘120 Bahadur’ Despite History Claims

In a swift ruling that ensures cinematic tribute to a pivotal 1962 battle proceeds uninterrupted, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a legal challenge against the upcoming film 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar. The decision paves the way for the war drama’s theatrical debut on November 21, rejecting arguments that it misrepresents key historical events from the Sino-Indian War.

The court, comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Shail Jain, concluded proceedings on the petition after acknowledging the impracticality of last-minute alterations to the film’s title, schedule, or content. They highlighted that the production already incorporates a dedicated tribute at the credits, listing the soldiers’ names. The bench emphasized the timing—mere days before release—making any revisions unfeasible without disrupting distribution.

The petitioner’s representative ultimately conceded that retaining the title and appending all relevant names in the end credits would suffice. To address lingering concerns over completeness, the judges permitted an unaltered nationwide rollout on Friday. They instructed the challengers to view the screening and verify the inclusion of the 120 soldiers’ identities, with any necessary adjustments reserved for the subsequent over-the-top (OTT) streaming version. For clarity, the order specified that even the digital edition must feature the full roster, complete with regimental affiliations.

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The case originated as a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha, a charitable trust, alongside its trustee and relatives of troops slain in the Battle of Rezang La. The group contested the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval, asserting the movie warps factual accuracy by centering the narrative on Major Shaitan Singh Bhati—renamed ‘Bhati’ in the script—as a solitary hero. This portrayal, they argued, diminishes the valor of the 113 Ahir (Yadav) soldiers from Rewari and nearby areas who formed the company’s core, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their leader in defending the Rezang La Pass, the vital frontline for Chushul airfield.

Earlier that day, the matter had been slated before Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, but the bench did not convene, prompting a deferral to November 26. Citing the imminent premiere, the petitioners’ advocate urgently sought reassignment, securing a hearing before the afternoon session.

Directed by Raznees ‘Razy’ Ghai, 120 Bahadur honors Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his gallantry amid the freezing heights of Rezang La. Farhan Akhtar embodies the officer in this depiction of raw courage and unyielding duty, ensuring the ensemble’s legacy endures on screen as planned.