Whether you’re an Indian history buff or just enjoy a powerful movie, this haunting film will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Since 1857, India has fought to earn its independence and, while some wars are well-documented, others are woefully ignored such as the Battle of Rezang La – and this is what 120 Bahadur aims to put right.
Inspired by real events, the film takes us back to 1962 and the bleak landscape of the Himalayan border between India and China. Through the eyes of Radio Operator Ramchander Yadav (Sparsh Walia), we find ourselves transported back to the infamous Battle of Rezang La and the fate of 120 Bahadurs (honorary officers). Enduring freezing temperatures and outnumbered by around 3000 Chinese soldiers, this is a story of extraordinary bravery and unique relationships forged under devastating conditions. While the first half of 120 Bahadur introduces us to the calm desolation of Ramchander Yadav who tells his tale from a battlefield hospital; it is no less heartbreaking as we hear that these young men who chose to serve their country didn’t even have the benefit of a jacket – as the Indian Government simply couldn’t afford them.
As we move into the second half of the film, the action is cranked up as we are transported to the battlefield. The brave Major Shaitan Singh Bhati bolsters his soldiers with the words “Lade bina to nahi jayenge” (we won’t leave without a fight). Those awarded the Param Vir Chakra refuse to leave their posts despite being given the opportunity to escape the hellish conditions. As the battle nears its inevitable end, we bear witness to a sense of duty that is almost unheard of in our times. As you would expect from a war film, there is violence – but it doesn’t feel gratuitous or unnecessary; its just an honest telling of what happened, and what they went through.
Sparsh Walia’s portrayal of Ramchander Yadav is both astonishing and heart-wrenching, followed closely by a solid performance by Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati. As an ensemble, the entire cast is pitch perfect, transporting the viewer to an entirely different place and time. Musically, a standout was Dada Kishan Ki Jai, performed by Sukhwinder Singh and written by Javed Akhtar. Main Hoon Woh Dharti Maa by Shreya Ghoshal speaks of a deep love for India.
Incredible performances allow the story to flow in a cohesive manner without losing any of the emotion behind the dialogues. What the film may lack a little in its soundtrack is more than made up for with action and dialogues that are both incredible but believable. Razneesh Razy Ghai brings a unique feel to the war film genre as well as a new style of dialogue, keeping audiences immersed from start to finish. Much more than “just a war film”, 120 Bahadur is a testimony to the lives lost – and this is driven home by the excellently written relationships and camaraderie between the soldiers – even during the darkest of times. Rather than relying on the somewhat predictable flashback format, this film keeps us grounded firmly in the present, honest and unblinking.
As a final touch of recognition, Razneesh Razy Ghai honoured every single Bahadur in the battalion of 120, including each of their names in the final credits. A thoughtful detail, and one that felt both necessary and deeply heartfelt.
120 Bahadur is in cinemas across England now.
