‘120 Bahadur’ Set for Historic Premiere on Nov 21 Across India’s Defense Theaters

Nov 2025 : Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming war epic “120 Bahadur” is set to make history as the first-ever film to premiere across India’s defense theater network. According to Variety, the film will screen in more than 800 cinema halls dedicated to the nation’s military community when it releases on November 21.

The film is centered on the legendary Battle of Rezang La and recounts the extraordinary bravery of 120 Indian soldiers from Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought Chinese forces at an altitude of over 16,000 feet in Ladakh in 1962. Of these, 114 soldiers laid down their lives, making the battle one of the most defining chapters in India’s military history.

The ensemble cast features Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Digvijay Pratap, Sahib Verma, Ankit Siwach, Devendra Ahirwar, Ashutosh Shukla, Brijesh Karanwal, Atul Singh, Ajinkya Deo and Eijaz Khan. Directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, the film is a collaboration with Amit Chandrra’s Trigger Happy Studios.

The release strategy is led by PictureTime in partnership with GenSync Brat Media, which plans to screen the film exclusively for defense personnel and their families. Organizers say the initiative aims to bridge a long-standing gap between the armed forces and the entertainment industry.

Highlighting the massive but underserved potential audience, PictureTime founder-CEO Sushil Chaudhary said, “There are 1.5 million active soldiers and over six million veterans. But only about 30 percent of India’s veteran and family audience has access to defense cinemas. We want to expand this ecosystem to reach the remaining 70 percent—and we begin with 120 Bahadur, a film we know will resonate deeply with the forces.”

The rollout will use PictureTime’s mobile cinema network to take screenings to soldiers and families stationed in remote regions—offering many their first-ever defense-theater experience.

Calling the film a tribute to India’s military valor, Excel Entertainment CEO Vishal Ramchandani said, “120 Bahadur honors the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces. We are privileged that the soldiers whose spirit this film celebrates will be the first to watch it.”

As part of its commemorative efforts, Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios will also hold paid previews on Tuesday to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Rezang La battle—an initiative designed to honor the 120 soldiers and build early momentum ahead of the November 21 nationwide premiere.

Team Maverick