Showing posts with label 120 Bahadur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 120 Bahadur. Show all posts
Director in an actor come out when there's another director but Farhan Akhtar was exception-Raashii Khanna
9:57 AM
Joining ‘120 Bahadur’ to collaborate with Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna admits to being jealous of her co-actor’s talent
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; November 27, 2025)
When director Razneesh Ghai offered 120 Bahadur to Raashii Khanna, she understood that her screen time was limited. But that didn’t matter to the actor, who knew that her character was the film’s emotional anchor. There was another motivation to say yes to the war drama that chronicles the 1962 Battle of Rezang La — leading man Farhan Akhtar.
Today, she couldn’t be happier about the decision, as she has walked out of the film enriched by the collaboration with the multi-hyphenate.
She says, “I’ve seen a lot of people who act and direct; the director in them comes out when there is another director. But I never saw that with Farhan sir. He truly is a director’s actor. I never saw him question the director’s vision. I have huge respect for him. He’s a template of how men should be. He is very respectful towards women.”
Her co-star evoked another emotion in Khanna that she usually doesn’t identify with — envy. “I told Farhan sir, ‘I don’t get jealous at all. But I’m jealous of your and Zoya ma’am’s [Akhtar, filmmaker and his sister] talent. When I meet you, I feel like I’m nothing. That’s not a great feeling’,” she laughs.
What certainly is a great feeling is that Khanna has her plate full for 2026 even as there is still a month to go before the new year. The actor will begin 2026 with the shoot of Farzi 2, reuniting with co-stars Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi.
“We’re going on floors with Farzi 2 in January. I don’t know how the story progresses. There’s, of course, a crossover between Farzi and The Family Man 3,” she says.
Besides the Raj-DK series, Khanna will be seen in a yet-untitled Prime Video series in which she plays a cop. The shoot, she reveals, is complete.
“I play a fierce Punjabi cop in it. Even though I am Punjabi, I grew up speaking Hindi. My father was my acting coach for this show because he taught me all the Punjabi dialogues,” she grins.
It will be a busy year for Khanna, who is also reuniting with Vikrant Massey after The Sabarmati Report (2024) for a divorce drama titled Talakhon Mein Ek. That’s not it. She also awaits the release of her maiden collaboration with R Madhavan. “It’s a time travel script! I am very excited about it,” she says enthusiastically.
(Crisp) Movie Review: 120 BAHADUR by FENIL SETA
3:15 PM
120 Bahadur is based on the true events of the Battle f Rezang La. Many might not be aware of it and that gives the film an advantage. Moreover, in times when major chunks of the film are shot in studios, the makers have gone all out and shot the film in real locations. One more aspect where they go against the trend is that they have ensured the film is not too violent or gory. On the flipside, the first half is very ordinary. It gives a déjà vu of films like Border, Kesari and Shershaah. The songs are poor; a film like this should have had hit music or at least one memorable track. Farhan Akhtar gets his act right and it was a pleasure to see him acting after ages. Raashii Khanna (Sugan) is lovely in a special appearance, but sadly, her track only lengthened the film. Ajinkya Ramesh Deo (Brigadier) and Eijaz Khan (Commanding Officer) are fine. From the 'bahadurs', debutant Sparsh Walia (Radio Operator Ramchander Yadav) gets the maximum screen time and he delivers a very fine performance. Vivan Bhatena (Jemadar Surja Ram) is the next best, followed by Ashutosh Shukla (Dharampal) and Brijesh Karanwala (Jairam Kaka). Others who do well are Dhanveer Singh (Jemadar Hariram Singh), Digvijay Pratap (Jemadar Saab), Sahib Verma (Nanha), Devendra Ahirwar (Baingan), Ankit Siwach (Ramlal), and Atul Singh (Nihal Singh). All in all, 120 Bahadur is a one-time watch.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 909
5:22 PM
WILL 120 BAHADUR, MASTIII 4 SCORE AT THE BOX OFFICE?
Last week’s De De Pyaar De 2 has underperformed at the box office. Thankfully, it opened better than Ajay Devgn’s previous film, Son Of Sardaar 2, which collected Rs. 7.25 crores. De De Pyaar De 2 collected Rs. 8.25 crores on its release day, and then jumped to Rs. 12 crores and Rs. 13.25 crores on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Sadly, it had a major fall on Monday, earning Rs. 3.75 crores. As expected, due to the offer, it saw a slight increase in the collections, earning Rs. 4.50 crores. The first week collections are expected to be Rs. 47-48 crores. If all goes well, it’ll earn around Rs. 65-70 crores in its lifetime.
This week will see the release of two diametrically opposite films. 120 Bahadur stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead role. This means that this is his first film as a lead in more than 4 years, the last one being Toofaan. This time, Farhan plays the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who bravely fought the 1962 Indo-China war with a team of just 120 soldiers against thousands of Chinese armymen. The film looks like a quality product. Also, they have shot in real locations and that has added to the authenticity.
However, the songs of the film haven’t worked and it looks like an elite product. The makers held the paid previews on Tuesday, and the response was encouraging. Despite this sampling, the advance hasn’t picked up. If all goes well, 120 Bahadur will open at Rs. 3-4 crores.
Mastiii 4 stars Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani, who have always featured in the previous parts of the franchise as well – Masti (2004), Grand Masti (2013) and Great Grand Masti (2016). This time, they are joined by Ruhii Singh, Shreya Sharma, Elnaaz Norouzi, Natalia Janoszek, Shaad Randhawa and Nishant Singh Malkani, along with Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri. It is directed by Milap Zaveri, who also helmed the surprise Diwali hit, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat.
The trailer of Mastiii 4 is full of naughty and adult jokes. While a section of the audience liked it, many found it offensive and crass. The ticket sales of this film, too, haven't been encouraging. Like 120 Bahadur, it might open at around Rs. 3-4 crores or even lower.
A section of the industry believes that today’s under 30 audience has never really experienced a sex comedy on the big screen. The way this demographic poured into cinemas for Saiyaara showed how hungry they are for bold, youth centric content. Mastiii 4 could tap into a similar curiosity factor, even if it is unlikely to match Saiyaara at the box office. If reports are positive and the buzz builds, the film can spring a surprise from Saturday. In that sense, strong word of mouth will be absolutely vital.
Last week’s De De Pyaar De 2 has underperformed at the box office. Thankfully, it opened better than Ajay Devgn’s previous film, Son Of Sardaar 2, which collected Rs. 7.25 crores. De De Pyaar De 2 collected Rs. 8.25 crores on its release day, and then jumped to Rs. 12 crores and Rs. 13.25 crores on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Sadly, it had a major fall on Monday, earning Rs. 3.75 crores. As expected, due to the offer, it saw a slight increase in the collections, earning Rs. 4.50 crores. The first week collections are expected to be Rs. 47-48 crores. If all goes well, it’ll earn around Rs. 65-70 crores in its lifetime.
This week will see the release of two diametrically opposite films. 120 Bahadur stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead role. This means that this is his first film as a lead in more than 4 years, the last one being Toofaan. This time, Farhan plays the role of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who bravely fought the 1962 Indo-China war with a team of just 120 soldiers against thousands of Chinese armymen. The film looks like a quality product. Also, they have shot in real locations and that has added to the authenticity.
However, the songs of the film haven’t worked and it looks like an elite product. The makers held the paid previews on Tuesday, and the response was encouraging. Despite this sampling, the advance hasn’t picked up. If all goes well, 120 Bahadur will open at Rs. 3-4 crores.
Mastiii 4 stars Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani, who have always featured in the previous parts of the franchise as well – Masti (2004), Grand Masti (2013) and Great Grand Masti (2016). This time, they are joined by Ruhii Singh, Shreya Sharma, Elnaaz Norouzi, Natalia Janoszek, Shaad Randhawa and Nishant Singh Malkani, along with Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri. It is directed by Milap Zaveri, who also helmed the surprise Diwali hit, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat.
The trailer of Mastiii 4 is full of naughty and adult jokes. While a section of the audience liked it, many found it offensive and crass. The ticket sales of this film, too, haven't been encouraging. Like 120 Bahadur, it might open at around Rs. 3-4 crores or even lower.
A section of the industry believes that today’s under 30 audience has never really experienced a sex comedy on the big screen. The way this demographic poured into cinemas for Saiyaara showed how hungry they are for bold, youth centric content. Mastiii 4 could tap into a similar curiosity factor, even if it is unlikely to match Saiyaara at the box office. If reports are positive and the buzz builds, the film can spring a surprise from Saturday. In that sense, strong word of mouth will be absolutely vital.
Farhan Akhtar's 120 Bahadur to be screened through mobile theatres in remote regions for Indian Armed Forces and their families
9:48 AM
With ‘120 Bahadur’ screening planned for Indian Armed Forces in under-served regions, PictureTime founder Sushil Chaudhary breaks down the one-and-a-half year process to set up mobile theatres in Ladakh and Sikkim
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 18, 2025)
A film about courage is on its way to those who live it every day. On November 17, the makers of 120 Bahadur announced that the Farhan Akhtar-starrer will be screened for the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, war veterans, and their families across under-served regions in the country upon its November 21 release. The initiative will be executed by PictureTime, which will take its mobile theatres to remote terrains to screen the Razneesh Ghai-directed war drama.
Sushil Chaudhary, founder and CEO, PictureTime, says the team has been working on this plan over the past one-and-a-half years. Ladakh, Sikkim, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the regions they are focusing on. Chaudhary notes that it was a tough feat to pull off as some regions sit at the intersection of limited infrastructure and strict military protocols.
“In Andaman, we are using an Indian Army auditorium in Port Blair. Accessing the other islands may happen later, around December. We were attempting Lakshadweep too, but we couldn’t do it,” he shares.
Securing permissions from the Army, Air Force, and Navy required months of coordination. “We reached out to each of them separately,” he informs.
For the team, the most symbolic venue would have been Chushul village in Ladakh. It is where the Battle of Rezang La — on which 120 Bahadur is based — took place.
“We were planning to have the première in Chushul. But this year, winter has arrived almost a month earlier than usual. So logistically, [setting up a cinema] there is a huge challenge. We may be able [to set up] there by November 30,” explains Chaudhary.
Raashii Khanna joins Farhan Akhtar in 120 Bahadur
8:56 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 4, 2025)
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar’s war drama 120 Bahadur is set for a November release. And, we have exclusively learnt that besides Farhan, the film also stars Raashii Khanna.
A source says, “Raashii proved herself with The Sabarmati Report and Yodha (both 2024) by playing two starkly different characters. The makers of 120 Bahadur felt that she’d be able to hold her ground in a story that is so patriotic and hard-hitting, and bring added depth.”
The movie, which revolves around the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, will see Farhan step into the shoes of Major Shaitan Singh, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his sacrifice for the country. Farhan, also the film’s co-producer, shot in Ladakh, which marked his return to the place for a full-fledged film 20 years after filming the Hrithik Roshan-starrer Lakshya (2004).
If Lakshya released today, people would say ‘Bahut lambi film hai!’-Farhan Akhtar
10:06 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; May 14, 2025)
“When you have people who trust you with their lives, with the one opportunity to ell their story, you have to make sure that you do it in a manner that honours their trust,” says Farhan Akhtar, who told the story of the Kargil War in Lakshya and will soon be seen as Major Shaitan Singh in 120 Bahadur . In an interview with us, the actor-filmmaker spoke about the responsibility of portraying institutions like India’s Armed Forces with authenticity.
‘If Lakshya released today, people would say ‘Bahut lambi film hai!’
Farhan’s 2004 directorial Lakshya is often held up as a benchmark in the genre. Amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan, some scenes from the film have been going viral on social media. But Farhan feels that, considering the pace of films today, audiences would have found the film long. “Today, if I released Lakshya, which was almost three hours and 18 minutes long, people would be like – ‘Oh my God! Bahut lambi film hai.’ Back then, it didn’t feel that way. So those are the things you keep more in mind. The attention span of a viewer has changed in the last 25 years. They want things to move along a little bit quicker.”
‘I make sure people’s stories are told the way they want’
On playing a commanding officer in 120 Bahadur, Farhan says, “I’m playing one character who’s the leader and in charge of 120 other soldiers. Those 120 soldiers are equally as important because they fought the battle alongside.”
“So within that realm, this story was deeply appealing. Razneesh, the director of 120 Bahadur, is an army kid, his father served in the Army, his brother is still in the Army. He grew up hearing about Shaitan Singh and the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-China war, and he’s always wanted to tell that story. I feel very fortunate to be part of it.”
‘WE ARE CONDENSING SOMEBODY’S LIFE INTO TWO AND A HALF HOURS; CAN’T VEER AWAY FROM FACTS’
Talking about Ground Zero, Farhan says, “As a producer, I was only invested in making sure that this script is told in the most effective way possible. The story is complete in itself – whatever we’ve taken and drawn from in the story is taken from his life and from the times that he served while he was in Kashmir. So, we haven’t tried to do anything extraordinary just for the sake of doing it. We’ve been very true to his story, on how he dealt with things, all that happened around him, the atmosphere of the valley.”
It’s the same sense of responsibility, he says, that he brought to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and now, 120 Bahadur, which is slated to release later this year. “My only concern or mission for films based on real people is to make sure that their stories are told the way they really want them to be told,” says Farhan.
The real challenge, he says, lies in writing. “We are condensing somebody’s life into two and a half hours. There may be events, emotions, or conversations that happened over six months, but you have to bring those into one scene. And you can’t veer away from it to a point where it becomes far removed from fact,” he adds.
‘I want to show you what these institutions are so that you can learn something about them’
For Farhan, depicting institutions like the Army and BSF and their stories accurately is paramount. He says, “You’re saying that this film is about an institution. This is the way this institution functions. Why would I want to change it in the film? In fact, I want to show you what that institution is so that you can learn something about it. The reason that Dubey ji (BSF officer on whose life Ground Zero is based) is the way he is, is because of certain training, certain discipline, certain protocol, a certain education. That’s what makes these people the character that they are.”
Stories like Ground Zero or 120 Bahadur , he says, are meant to hold space for those whose contributions might otherwise fade. “Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey ji accomplished something that created a pathway to a degree of peace in the valley that would not have happened for a decade. He should be remembered. Human beings move on; our memories are short. Amid all this, it’s nice to somehow find a way to remember somebody who’s done something constructive for society.”
Wearing the uniform on screen is a matter of pride-Farhan Akhtar
9:00 AM
On Army Day today, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar shares how donning the uniform instils a sense of responsibility and honour
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 15, 2025)
Farhan Akhtar’s connection with the Indian Army is quite special. His directorial, Lakshya (2004), saw actor Hrithik Roshan play an aimless young man who found his calling in life by joining the Army. In Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), Akhtar himself played athlete Milkha Singh, who was drafted into the armed forces. And now, he is shooting for his next, 120 Bahadur, which is a biopic on (late) Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a Param Vir Chakra awardee who played a key role in the Battle of Rezang La during the Sino-India War (1962).
The 51-year-old says, “I got to learn a lot about the Army when I set out to make Lakshya. I realised that the Army is like a world unto itself, with its discipline, protocols... it’s very admirable to have that within you, that you dedicate your life to a larger cause...”
As for wearing the uniform on screen, Akhtar asserts that one’s body language changes immediately: “Wearing the uniform on screen is a matter of pride, though a part of you obviously knows that it is make-believe. But, wearing the uniform does something to you. There is a sense of responsibility and you feel honoured to wear it. The uniform changes your body language, the way you stand and conduct yourself. It’s incredible.”
However, making a film on the Army isn’t easy. Akhtar reveals, “Not all films on the Army are made with their clearance. However, certain films require the Army’s blessings. Lakshya was that, and now, 120 Bahadur. They ask questions when you reach out to them, and you should have answers. It’s their job to understand why you want to make that film. They should be comfortable.”
Farhan Akhtar to wrap shoot of 120 Bahadur with 15-day Mumbai schedule
7:59 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 24, 2024)
The wait for Farhan Akhtar’s next film has been a long one. The filmmaker-actor’s highly anticipated film 120 Bahadur is nearing completion as the team prepares to wrap up the final leg of the shoot. After an elaborate schedule in Ladakh, the cast and crew will embark on a 15-day schedule, starting next week, to bring the film to its final stages.
Set against the backdrop of the Indo-China War of 1962, 120 Bahadur is inspired by the heroic tale of 120 Indian soldiers, who courageously defended their post against an army of 5,000 Chinese troops. Known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, Akhtar and director Razzy Ghai have left no stone unturned in recreating the historic event with authenticity.
A source close to the production revealed, “The Ladakh schedule was physically and emotionally taxing for everyone, but the landscapes brought the story alive. Farhan has been hands-on, ensuring every detail reflects the bravery and sacrifices of these soldiers. The more dialogue-heavy portions of the film will be shot in Mumbai, which will be a quick schedule. The logistics are being figured out, but it will start next week and be wrapped before mid-December.”
The film is expected to release in mid-2025, with an ensemble cast including real-life army veterans in pivotal roles.
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