Delhi HC Approves Nationwide Release of 120 Bahadur Amid Historical Controversy

Post by : Mina Rahman

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court granted permission for the national release of 120 Bahadur, featuring Farhan Akhtar, setting the stage for its theatrical launch on November 21. This decision comes despite a petition contesting the film's certification due to claims of misrepresenting the historical events of the 1962 Battle of Rezang La.

Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain, who presided over the case, dismissed the petition, noting that altering the film's title, release timeline, or making last-minute changes was no longer feasible. They acknowledged that the filmmakers had paid tribute by including the names of the soldiers in the closing credits of the film.

The court authorized the film's release to proceed as planned across India, indicating that the petitioners could see the film post-release to check if the names of all 120 soldiers were properly acknowledged.

Should any amendments be necessary, the court stated they could be addressed in the film's OTT release, specifically adding the names of soldiers and their respective regiments without changing the film's title.

The petition was filed by the Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha, a charitable organization, along with a trustee and relatives of the soldiers killed in the Rezang La conflict. The plea claimed that the film misrepresents history by highlighting Major Shaitan Singh as the only hero under a fictional name, thereby sidelining the pivotal contributions of the predominantly Ahir (Yadav) unit in the battle.

Earlier, this case was referred to a different bench, but due to the bench's non-availability, it was rescheduled. With the release date approaching, the petitioners sought an expedited hearing in front of another bench.

120 Bahadur narrates the tale of Major Shaitan Singh, honored with the Param Vir Chakra for his leadership of the C Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment during the 1962 Battle of Rezang La. This unit primarily consisted of Ahir soldiers from Rewari and surrounding areas who displayed remarkable courage in defending the Chushul sector.

According to the petitioners, the film undermines the contributions of the 113 Ahir soldiers who fought alongside Major Shaitan Singh, jeopardizing their collective identity and regimental honor.

Directed by Rajnees “Razy” Ghai, the film stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh. With the court's consent, 120 Bahadur will premiere in theaters on November 21 as planned.