New Delhi, November 6: In the snowy silence of Rezang La, at 17,000 feet above sea level, 120 Indian soldiers faced an army thirty times larger. Only six survived. The man who led them into history was Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, Commander of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment a name that has become synonymous with courage and sacrifice. His story long written in the blood of heroes now returns to the silver screen through the upcoming film “120 Bahadur.”
Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, the film stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh. The trailer, launched recently by Kannada superstar Yash, has already ignited nationwide admiration. Scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, the film pays tribute not only to one man but to an entire company that fought to the last bullet in the 1962 Indo-China War.
The Soldier Who Became Immortal
Born on December 1, 1924, in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district, Major Shaitan Singh inherited valor from his father, Lt. Col. Hem Singh Bhati, a decorated officer awarded the Order of the British Empire for bravery in World War I. Trained in discipline and teamwork through sports especially football Shaitan Singh grew into an officer who inspired men through example rather than authority.
After the integration of princely forces, he joined the Kumaon Regiment, serving in Naga Hills and Goa operations before being posted to Ladakh in 1962. When war erupted, his unit was sent to defend Rezang La an exposed, freezing pass near Chushul, critical to India’s defense line.
The Battle That Defined Bravery
On November 18, 1962, at dawn, Chinese troops attacked from multiple directions. The Indian post was cut off from artillery support; every bullet fired had to count. Major Singh moved fearlessly from one platoon to another under heavy fire, rallying his men and directing defense until he was severely wounded.
Even after being hit, he refused evacuation. His final command to his men to save themselves and keep fighting became a moment of immortal leadership. When Indian patrols found his body months later, it was still resting against a boulder, weapon beside him, facing the enemy.
The unit’s courage stopped the Chinese advance toward the Chushul airfield. Of the 120 soldiers, 114 were martyred, turning Rezang La into a sacred symbol of national pride. Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
Honoring the 120 Brave
Today, memorials in Chushul (Ladakh) and Rewari (Haryana) stand as silent witnesses to their sacrifice. The inscription at Rewari reads, “How can a man die better, than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers and the temples of his gods.”
The renovated Rezang La War Memorial, inaugurated in 2021, now stands as one of India’s most revered military landmarks. Even the Shipping Corporation of India named one of its tankers after the hero, immortalizing his name in India’s maritime history.
From Battlefield to Big Screen
The upcoming film “120 Bahadur” reimagines this chapter of Indian history for a new generation. Farhan Akhtar, known for emotionally intense roles, steps into the uniform of Major Shaitan Singh. The cast includes Raashii Khanna, Ajinkya Deo, Paresh Rawal, Eijaz Khan, and Mrunal Thakur in key roles.
Adding grandeur to the narrative, Amitabh Bachchan has lent his voice to the film’s opening a gesture revealed by Akhtar on Kaun Banega Crorepati. His narration gives the film a timeless resonance, bridging fact and faith, memory and emotion.
Behind the camera, cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata (AFC) captures the frozen terrain, while Amit Trivedi, Salim–Sulaiman, and Amjad Nadeem Aamir compose the music. The background score by Satish Raghunathan aims to recreate the pulse of the battlefield and the silence that follows sacrifice.
A Nation’s Tribute in Film
The trailer’s pan-India launch with Yash unveiling it and Salman Khan lauding the film’s vision reflects the project’s ambition to transcend regions and languages. More than a war movie, “120 Bahadur” stands as a cinematic memorial a story of loyalty, courage, and unity.
As the film’s release nears the anniversary of the battle, its purpose goes beyond entertainment. It revives a forgotten moment when ordinary soldiers performed extraordinary deeds. Through celluloid, the legend of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and his 120 brave men rises again a reminder that some victories are not measured in land, but in legacy.
Also Read | 120 Bahadur Trailer Out Now: A Gripping Glimpse into the Indo-China War, Loaded with Powerful Dialogues!
