Delhi HC Greenlights 120 Bahadur Release Amid Historic Facts Dispute

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed the nationwide release of 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar, paving the way for its theatrical debut on November 21. The order comes despite a petition challenging the film’s certification on grounds of alleged misrepresentation of historical events related to the 1962 Battle of Rezang La.

A bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain disposed of the petition, observing that it was too late to change the film’s title, release date, or make last-minute edits. The court noted that the filmmakers have included the names of the soldiers at the end of the movie as a tribute.

The bench permitted the film to be released as planned across the country. It said the petitioners may watch the film after its release to verify whether the names of all 120 soldiers have been featured.

If any corrections are required, the court stated that these may be made in the movie’s OTT release. It further clarified that only the names of the soldiers, along with their correct regiments, may be added on OTT, without altering the film’s title.

The petition was filed by Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha, a charitable trust, along with one of its trustees and families of soldiers who died in the Rezang La battle. The plea alleged that the film distorts historical facts by projecting Major Shaitan Singh as the sole protagonist under a fictionalized name, while overshadowing the collective contribution of the predominantly Ahir (Yadav) company that fought in the battle.

Earlier in the day, the matter was listed before a different bench, but due to the bench not assembling, it was posted for a later date. Considering the upcoming release, the petitioners requested an urgent listing before another bench.

120 Bahadur tells the story of Major Shaitan Singh, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for leading the C Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment during the Battle of Rezang La in 1962. The unit consisted largely of Ahir soldiers from Rewari and nearby regions who defended the Chushul sector with exceptional bravery.

According to the petitioners, the film diminishes the role of the 113 Ahir soldiers who fought alongside Major Shaitan Singh, affecting their collective identity and regimental honour.

Directed by Rajnees “Razy” Ghai, the film features Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh. With the court’s approval, 120 Bahadur will hit theatres on November 21 as scheduled.