120 Bahadur & Battle of Rezang La

 

A. 120 Bahadur

 

120 Bahadur (transl. 120 Bravehearts) is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language war film directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios. The film recounts the Battle of Rezang La, considered one of the major events of the Sino-Indian War and fought on 18 November 1962, when 120 soldiers of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment entirely made up of Ahirs from Ahirwal region of Rajasthan and Haryana and led by Major Shaitan Singh Bhati stationed in the Chushul sector defended their post at Rezang La pass against repeated assaults by a 3000-strong Chinese Army contingent, inflicting on them over 1300 casualties. The film depicts the account of the battle as recollected by an injured soldier, one of the 6 survivors who had participated in the Battle of Rezang La. The film stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh and Raashii Khanna as Shaitan's wife Shagun Kanwari Singh.

Based on the true story, the film marks return to acting after three years for Farhan Akhtar after Toofaan as he portrays the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was posthumously conferred the Param Vir Chakra which is India's highest military honor; for his bravery against all odds in the Battle of Rezang La fought on 18 November 1962.

Premise

Based on a true story, the film depicts the account of the battle as recollected by an injured soldier, one of the 6 survivors who had participated in the Battle of Rezang La. The film retraces the valiant act of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati along with 120 Ahir soldiers, who refused to vacate the post and instead chose to fight till the last man, last bullet. Shaitan Singh was posthumously conferred the Param Vir Chakra, which is India's highest military honor; for his bravery against all odds in the Battle of Rezang La. Besides Shaitan Singh, other soldiers were also awarded gallantry awards, including 8 Vir Chakra, 1 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and 4 Sena Medal. The battle fought on 18 November 1962 saw 120 soldiers fighting in a famous last stand against a repeated onslaught by a 3000-strong Chinese contingent before being overrun. In the end only 6 Indian soldiers survived.

Cast

The cast of the film includes Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, Raashii Khanna as Shagun Kanwari Singh in lead roles. Besides them several other actors have participated in the film including Ankit Siwach, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Sahib Verma, Sparsh Walia, Ajinkya Deo, Eijaz Khan, Ashutosh Shukla, Atul Singh, Brijesh Karanwal, Devendra Ahirwar, Digvijay Pratap, Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Hussain Dalal in important roles and many others.

Production

Development

The first-look poster of the film was released on 18 November 2024, as a tribute on the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La, which is recognized as a legendary battle fought on the freezing heights of Eastern Ladakh.  Based on the true story, the film mark’s the return to acting for Farhan Akhtar after three years of Toofaan (2021). In the film he portrays the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati. While music is being composed by Amit Trivedi; the lyrics have been penned by acclaimed poet and lyricist, Javed Akhtar who is also father of Farhan Akhtar. While Tetsuo Nagata, a Japanese-born French cinematographer has been recruited as Director of Photography for the film. Award winning editor Rameshwar S. Bhagat has been recruited as editor for the film.

The film's dialogue have been written by Sumit Arora and screenplay is by Rajiv G Menon. In order to recreate the battle scene with authenticity, the makers of the film brought in Snow Busines. The filmmakers collaborated with Snow Business, a company known for its work on films like "Gladiator" and the "Harry Potter" franchise to recreate vast snow-covered landscape. For developing authentic looking action sequences for the film and to keep the theme intact, the producers roped in the same action team that worked on a recent Oscar-winning World War 1 film. “All Quiet on Western Front”. During shooting in Ladakh, a team of over 600 was present to manage fighting and explosive scenes. To prepare for the film, lead actor Farhan Akhtar who is essaying the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, and other actors underwent a significant transformation, with military-style training including hand-to-hand combat and acclimatization for high altitude.

Filming

Principal photography of the film commenced on September 4, 2024, in Ladakh with logistical support of the Indian Army and has been extensively shot in Ladakh, as well as in Rajasthan and Mumbai. A large part of the film has been shot in the high hills of Ladakh at a height of 14,000 feet where actors battled not just temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius but also a lack of oxygen. In late January the final schedule of the film was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan over 10 days where flashback scenes related to Farhan's character Shaitan Singh were shot. The 15-day Mumbai schedule was concluded in December 2024. Filming in harsh terrain of Ladakh was difficult, even Eijaz Khan considered a fit actor suffered breathing trouble in 2nd day of the shoot. 

The film is in post-production work including editing, sound design, and VFX, which started soon after shooting was over. The first-look poster of the film was released on 18 November 2024, as a tribute on the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La, which is recognized as a legendary battle fought on the freezing heights of Eastern Ladakh.  The official teaser of the film was released on 5 August 2025 in Mumbai, where Narpat Singh, the son of Shaitan Singh was also present. An official poster of the film was released a day earlier. The teaser has been attached to release with War 2 in cinema theatres. The producers are creating an extended marketing campaign to raise awareness for the film.

Release

The film 120 Bahadur is scheduled for theatrical release in India on 21 November 2025, just 3 days after 63rd anniversary of the legendary battle. The film will be Farhan Akhtar's first ever IMAX release as an actor. The teaser release function was held at a multiplex in Mumbai, where the teaser was also released on IMAX. The film is being distributed by AA Films across India and YRF is likely to distribute the movie worldwide.

 

 

B. Battle of Rezang La

 

The Battle of Rezang La ("la" meaning hill in Tibetan/Ladhaki language) was a major military engagement that took place on 18 November 1962, during the Sino-Indian War between the Indian Army's 13th Kumaon Regiment and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). 120 Indian soldiers faced more than 3,000 Chinese soldiers and successfully defended the strategic mountain pass of Rezang Lah in Ladakh.

Fought at an altitude of 16,000 ft (4,900 m), against overwhelming Chinese forces, the battle saw one of the greatest last stands, with Indian sources documenting more than 1400 Chinese casualties. Major Shaitan Singh, who led the defense, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his extraordinary bravery. Several other decorations were awarded posthumously to many officers and soldiers of the company.

Background

In October 1962, China launched a large-scale offensive against Republic of India in the disputed border areas of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA). The Indian Army, under-prepared and outnumbered, was tasked with defending these high-altitude regions. Rezang La, a pass located in the Chushul sector of Ladakh, became a key defense point as it guarded the vital airstrip at Chushul.

The defense of Rezang La was entrusted to the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. The battalion was positioned on the barren, exposed ridges of the pass, without adequate artillery support or reinforcements.

Battle

During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Rezang La was the site of the last stand of the Charlie "C" company of 13 Kumaon, consisting of 120 Indian soldiers. According to the official Indian history of the war, the Rezang La picket of Charlie company made up entire of Ahir from Ahirwal region was stationed at an elevation of 5,500 metres (18,000 ft), 11 km south of the Spanggur Gap, on the same ridge line as Rezang La. Rezang La had the drawback that an intervening feature blocked artillery operation, so that the Indian infantry had to do without artillery cover. The Indian side was led by Major Shaitan Singh, who perished in battle and posthumously won India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra, for his actions.

The Chinese employed human wave tactics, sending up to eight waves against the Indian troop positions. Eventually, the Indian position was overrun, and Indian troops were forced to withdraw to high mountain positions. After the conclusion of battle, their valor was recognized by the Chinese, who had covered the bodies of the Indian soldiers with blankets and even placed bayonets over them so that the makeshift covers did not fly off. This mark of respect is exceptional and atypical of practices of that time.

Both sides took overwhelming casualties, though both countries disagree over how many were killed. It is generally accepted 114 Indian soldiers out of a total of 120 lost their lives and only 6 survived. However, Indian sources claim upwards of 1,300 Chinese troops were killed in Rezang La alone. Eventually, the Chinese captured Rezang La and Gurung Hill, but was unable to advance further due to Indian reorganization.

Aftermath

The defense by the Kumaon Regiment at Rezang La has been cited as an important moment in Indian military history. Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his leadership and actions during the battle. Many other soldiers were also awarded gallantry awards including 8 Vir Chakra, 1 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and 4 Sena Medal. The engagement is sometimes described as a notable example of a last stand in modern warfare.

Legacy

The Battle of Rezang La remains a symbol of Indian courage and determination. Memorials have been erected at Rezang La and at various places in India to commemorate the bravery of the soldiers who fought and died in the battle. In 2012, on the 50th anniversary of the battle, veterans and military historians gathered to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, and the battle continues to be studied as a lesson in mountain warfare. The memorial at Rezang La has the following inscription:-

How can a man die better,

than facing fearful odds,

for the ashes of his fathers,

and temples of his gods.

This same inscription also appears on the Rezang La Memorial at Rewari, Haryana.

120 Bahadur is being compared with web series 1962: The War in the Hills.

C: 1962: The War in the Hills

 

1962: The War in the Hills is an Indian Hindi-language war drama television series on Disney+ Hotstar, written and directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. Inspired by the 1962 Sino-Indian war, the series features Abhay Deol, Sumeet Vyas, Rohan Gandotra, Mahie Gill and Akash Thosar in leading roles. The series showcases a fictional account of real battles fought in Galwan Valley and Rezang La where 125 Ahir soldiers of the Indian Army were tasked with defending against a 3000 strong People's Liberation Army. The series released on 26 February 2021 on Disney+ Hotstar and received mostly mixed reviews from critics, who criticized its long run time and visual effects.

Plot

The official synopsis of thw web series reads,”

‘Inspired by true events, 1962: The War In The Hills is a fictional take about one of the fiercest battles ever fought. 124 Indian soldiers of ‘C Company’ of an Indian army battalion fought 3000 Chinese to the last man and last bullet; led by their leader Major Suraj Singh Hailing from the village of Rewari, this is also a story about their personal battles, their life beyond their uniforms and their times of love, heartbreak, longing and celebration. They band together in the harshest battlefield and hold up a strategic pass that stopped the infiltrating army from taking over a prime airstrip fighting till their last breath to protect what truly belonged to the nation – Ladakh.’

Cast

The project ‘1962: The War In The Hills’ came into news in mid-November 2019 with Abhay Deol being confirmed as the lead actor in the series. Sumeet Vyas and Akash Thosar were also confirmed to play the pivotal characters in the series. Thosar stated that he eventually wanted to join the Indian Army since he was passionate in the profession during his childhood, but as it failed to happen, he eventually became an actor. Thosar stated that he was about to play a fictional soldier which he stated it as his "dream come true moment". He further stated that he had to gain 10 kilos for his role and also performed stunts for the first time. Vyas also stated that the biggest challenge in the series is doing stunt sequences, since he was initially a part of comedy and romantic genre series. In February 2021, Mahie Gill was announced to pair opposite Abhay Deol as Shagun Singh's wife. This marked their reunion of Deol and Gill after Dev.D (2009).

Abhay Deol as Major Suraj Singh, a character inspired by Major Shaitan Singh. Other actors include Sumeet Vyas as Jemadar Ram Kumar, Akash Thosar as Sepoy Kishan Yadav, Mahie Gill as Ms. Shagun Singh, wife of Suraj Singh, inspired by Shaitan Singh's wife Ms. Shagun Kanwar, Arif Zakaria as Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan as Indira Gandhi, Kishore Nandlaskar as Dak Chacha, Pooja Sawant as Padma, Rohan Gandotra as Sepoy Karan Yadav, Vineet Sharma as Subedar Hardam Singh Yadav, Jay Parab as Sepoy Nakul, Satya Manjrekar as Sepoy Gopal Yadav, Sanjay Dadich as Mohan Yadav, Prem Dharmadhikari (child) as Raju Yadav, Meiyang Chang as Major Lin, Bijou Thaangjam as a Chinese soldier, Liao Meng Chi as Ug Lee, Divyansh Mishra as a young boy, Anup Soni as Major Khattar, Karim Hajee as General Singha, Rochelle Rao as Rimpa, Jaideep Singh Sehmbi as Sepoy Vishal Sardar, Meenal Kapoor as Neelam (daughter of Major Suraj Singh and Shagun Singh, Diganta Hazarika as Pema, Pallavi Kulkarni as Jaya, Sammaera Jaiswal as young Neelam (Daughter of Major Suraj Singh and Mrs. Shagun Singh), Pawandeep Rajan as Nido Tana "Radar", Medha Manjrekar as Radha's Mom, Shiv Subramaniam as Mr. Krishna, Shivamprasad Pandit as Masterji, Hemal Ingle as Radha, and others.

Episodes

    a)  "Hindi Cheeni Bhai Bhai?"

    b) "Love and War"

    c)   "1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Backward"     

    d) "Ceasefire?"

    e) "Independence Day" 

    f)    "At War"

    g)  "Road to Shaksa La"  

   h) "Vidhur Ashram"

   i)     "The Last Stand"

   j)     "Escape to Victory"   

Production

Development

In July 2019, Hotstar had announced its collaboration with Arre Studios to produce a new series showcasing the life of soldiers, based on the backdrop of the Sino-Indian war happened in 1962 and roped in Mahesh Manjrekar to direct the series. A source from the online portal Peeping Moon stated that Abhay Deol will act in the series as Major Shaitan Singh who was the frontrunner of the Indian Army during that period. The team kickstarted the casting process in the very same month which was ended in August 2019. It was touted to be one of the costliest Hotstar original productions. The series producer Ajay Chacko stated that "We haven’t treated the series as an OTT show but three feature films rolled into one. It took us about two-and-half years from the inception to finish. It’s not an ordinary show, but one with many firsts."

Filming

Shooting of the series began in September 2019. As the series required stunts and action sequences, the production team roped in Don Lee, an internationally acclaimed stunt choreographer who is known for films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Trek for the stunts. Most of the series were shot in Ladakh and Panchgani. Actor Rohan Gandotra about the shooting in Ladakh eventually stated that it was a surreal experience and he also had developed health issues citing shoot in high altitude. He stated that " Shooting in high terrain can be a challenge, especially with harsh weather conditions. But we trained really well and once we got to the shoot, everything made sense. It made me wonder — if we find it so tough to shoot for a few days, imagine what our soldiers go through on a daily basis." On December 2019, the makers had wrapped the shoot and entered post-production which was completed few days before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in March 2020 was announced.

Soundtrack

‘1962: The War In The Hills’ has several songs. The soundtrack and score is composed by Hitesh Modak and lyrics for the soundtrack album were penned by Lavraj. The music video for the first song "Hum Shaan Se Jalne Nikle Hai" was released first on 5 February 2021. The entire soundtrack featuring 11 songs have been released on 19 February 2021. The album features vocals by Hitesh Modak, Vijay Prakash, Salman Ali, Sukhwinder Singh, Farhad Bhiwandiwala, Aanandi Joshi, Shailey Bidwaikar, Shamika Bhide, Susmirata Dawalkar, Maanuni Desai and Sanket Naik. All the lyrics are written by Lavraj.

Release

Originally planned for a 2021 release, the series was advanced for a November 2020 release as the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League will end on this month. It is mostly due to the anti-Chinese sentiment prevailing in India after the Galwan Valley disputes happened in June 2020. However, the slated release did not happen due to COVID restriction. On 26 January 2021, coinciding with Republic Day, the first look of the series was released through social media platforms which featured references to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The official trailer of the series was released on YouTube on 12 February 2021. The series premiered through Disney+ Hotstar on 26 February 2021.