Sincere and technically sharp, but too familiar to leave a lasting mark.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
120 Bahadur receives a broadly mixed-to-moderate reception, with most critics acknowledging its sincerity and technical craft while stopping short of calling it a fully realized war drama. Farhan Akhtar's central performance and the film's combat realism are frequently cited as highlights, along with its avoidance of generic jingoism. The most common criticism is that the film is hampered by uneven pacing, a familiar template, and an inability to generate the deep emotional impact that its subject matter warrants. A minority of critics are more enthusiastic, with one calling it a new benchmark for Hindi war films, while at least one dissents sharply over Akhtar's casting.
2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review
Farhan Akhtar plays Bhati with brio, leading his men into a 'jung' from where there was no coming back, and the result is a war film which brims with the action-and-emotion necessary for a Bollywood drama, but refuses to go under because of it. The 'vardi' and the 'valour' that demands that ultimate 'balidaan' brings a lump to the throat, and a tear to the eye.
Top critic
Film review
Farhan Akhtar's film is consistently watchable and the director fleshes out the Param Vir Chakra-recipient without overstretching himself.
Film review
'120 Bahadur' reviews bravery, brotherhood in 1962's Indo-China war. A fitting tribute to Major Singh & 120 soldiers, with gripping cinematography, Farhan's role, balanced emotion, and Raashii Khanna's performance.
Film review
Farhan Akhtar's 120 Bahadur has silently stayed with me, and left me with gratitude, and a very strong thought! Who am I to judge a war hero's story? Why should I mellow down a martyr's sacrifice in the name of entertainment? Why not just celebrate such stories?
Film review
120 Bahadur is about a battle that India won, while heavily outnumbered against an estimated 3000 Chinese soldiers, at a particular post, in Ladakh. The film sets a new benchmark for Hindi war films with its compelling narrative and strong performances.
Film review
Yet 120 Bahadur is not without flaws. For a film built on such an inherently powerful historical episode, the pacing is surprisingly uneven. Even with these shortcomings, 120 Bahadur remains a sincere, often stirring tribute elevated by superb combat realism and a commanding central performance.
Film review
What 120 Bahadur needed was a stronger emotional spine throughout to bind its technical strengths together. The craft is certainly there, the intention is unwavering, but the film stops short of delivering the kind of lingering impact a story of this magnitude deserves.
Film review
Despite sincere performances and stunning visuals, the film falls short of delivering a deeply moving war drama.
Film review
A heartfelt tribute wrapped in a familiar template; 120 Bahadur deserved gripping execution.
Film review
120 Bahadur is underwhelming, adding little fresh perspective and feeling like a standard war drama we have seen umpteen times before. Despite its sincerity and good intentions, the familiar treatment prevents 120 Bahadur from offering much in the way of surprise or wonder.
Film review
Major Shaitan Singh must be turning in heaven and howling to see the way Farhan Akhtar has played his part!
Film review
Unlike the generic chest-thumping, jingoistic celebrations of military milestones that Bollywood churns out, 120 Bahadur is a sincere, technically proficient tribute that gives both heart and mind their due on the battlefield. It may not be a genre-defining epic, but 120 Bahadur deserves your time and attention.
Credits
Farhan AkhtarMajor Shaitan Singh
Ankit SiwachRamlal
Vivan BhatenaSuraj Ram
Eijaz KhanCommanding Officer
Raashii KhannaShagun Kanwar
Ajinkya DeoBrigadier
Marcus MokGeneral GaoHindi films like 120 Bahadur
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