War Drama '120 Bravehearts' Set for November 21, 2025 Release

The historical war drama titled '120 Bravehearts' has officially locked in its premiere date for November 21, 2025. Directed by Rajnish Ghai, this feature film chronicles one of the most pivotal and heroic military engagements in India's history. Produced through a collaboration between Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, the movie is timed to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the battle, which originally took place on November 18, 1962.

The narrative centers on the extraordinary valor displayed during the Battle of Rezang La, a key confrontation during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Farhan Akhtar takes on the lead role, portraying Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, an officer posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for acts of valor in the face of the enemy. Major Singh commanded 'Charlie' Company of the 13th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment. This company consisted of 120 soldiers, predominantly drawn from the Ahir community.

This small contingent was tasked with defending crucial high-altitude positions in the Chushul sector, situated at approximately 16,000 feet—roughly 5,000 meters above sea level. Their mission was to hold the line against vastly superior Chinese forces, estimated to number around 3,000 personnel. The sheer disparity in numbers made their defensive stand a monumental challenge against overwhelming odds.

The core of the story unfolds on November 18, 1962. The 120 Indian troops endured seven relentless waves of enemy assaults. They fought fiercely despite facing brutal environmental conditions, with temperatures plummeting to minus 25 degrees Celsius. Major Singh's leadership shone through; even after sustaining severe injuries, he continued to direct the defense efforts, setting an unparalleled benchmark for courage and command.

The outcome of this fierce engagement was tragic yet heroic. The Indian side suffered the loss of 114 personnel. However, their tenacious defense inflicted substantial damage on the opposing army, with estimates suggesting over 1,300 Chinese soldiers were killed. The production team undertook extensive filming in the high-altitude terrains of Ladakh to accurately capture the unforgiving environment of the battleground.

Beyond its general theatrical release scheduled for November 21, 2025, the film is slated for a special Gala premiere on the same day at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa. This particular release marks a significant milestone for Farhan Akhtar, as '120 Bravehearts' will be his debut feature in the IMAX format as an actor, bringing this historic sacrifice to audiences in a new, immersive way.