Farhan Akhtar Wants 120 Bahadur to Be Declared Tax-Free to Spread Its Message; Says “It Honours Forgotten Heroes”
Bollywood actor, filmmaker, and producer Farhan Akhtar has urged governments across India to grant his upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur tax-free status, stressing that the film is not just entertainment but an essential reminder of a chapter in India’s military history that many citizens are unaware of. Releasing nationwide in late November 2025, the film has already stirred emotional and political discussions, prompting Akhtar to step forward and explain why its accessibility matters so deeply to him.
A Film Meant to Revive a Forgotten Story
120 Bahadur brings to life the heroic stand of 120 soldiers of the 13th Kumaon Regiment during the Battle of Rezang La in 1962, when Indian troops faced overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces in the harsh terrain of Ladakh. Led by the indomitable Major Shaitan Singh, these soldiers fought to their last breath, displaying extraordinary courage that later became one of the most revered — yet under-discussed — moments in India’s military legacy.
Farhan Akhtar, who portrays Major Shaitan Singh, has repeatedly said that the story “deserves to be known by every Indian.” According to him, the battle is often overshadowed by the larger narrative of the 1962 war, leaving behind the memory of men who showed unmatched bravery against impossible odds. Akhtar believes that cinema has the ability to bring these forgotten tales back into the national consciousness, especially for a younger generation that relies heavily on visual storytelling.
What makes 120 Bahadur stand apart from conventional war dramas is its focus on a moment of resistance rather than victory in the traditional sense. The Battle of Rezang La was not about territorial gain or strategic triumph—it was about resilience, courage, and standing firm in the face of overwhelming odds. Farhan Akhtar has emphasized in multiple conversations that the story is deeply emotional because it represents a kind of heroism that goes beyond cinematic spectacle. These soldiers were cut off, outnumbered, and battling in extreme weather conditions, yet they chose to fight until their last breath. By bringing this narrative to the screen, the film attempts to capture not just the action of war but the emotional and psychological strength of soldiers who knew they might not survive.
The harsh realities of Rezang La also add a layer of authenticity rarely explored in mainstream cinema. The freezing temperatures, lack of adequate resources, and isolation from reinforcements created an environment where survival itself was a challenge. Akhtar has shared that the film does not glorify war but rather humanizes the individuals who lived through it. By focusing on personal stories, relationships among soldiers, and the emotional weight of their decisions, the film aims to create a deeper connection with audiences. It seeks to make viewers feel the gravity of sacrifice, rather than simply witness it as a distant historical event.
Why Farhan Akhtar Wants the Film to Be Tax-Free
During promotions and public events, particularly at the International Film Festival of India, Akhtar stated that he hopes 120 Bahadur will be declared tax-free nationwide so that more people can afford to watch it. He stressed that the film is not just a patriotic drama but a historical responsibility, offering viewers a chance to emotionally connect with a sacrifice that shaped India’s military ethos.
Akhtar emphasized that a tax-free status would:
- Lower ticket prices, making the film accessible to students, families, and rural audiences.
- Encourage schools, NCC groups, and youth organizations to organize educational screenings.
- Promote awareness about the real-life soldiers whose stories are often overlooked in mainstream history.
- Honor the regiment and the legacy of Major Shaitan Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor.
“This film isn’t about commercial success,” Akhtar has said in various interviews. “It is about preserving memory. It honours forgotten heroes, and cinema can help ensure that their courage is never forgotten again.”
Farhan Akhtar’s push for a tax-free status also reflects a broader understanding of how cinema can function as an educational tool. In India, films often reach audiences that traditional academic resources cannot, especially in regions where access to detailed historical education may be limited. By reducing ticket prices, the film could become accessible to a wider demographic, including students and young viewers who might otherwise skip a theatrical experience due to cost. Akhtar has pointed out that when films are made tax-free, they often become part of school trips, group viewings, and educational discussions, allowing the story to reach a much larger and more diverse audience.
He has also highlighted the importance of collective viewing experiences when it comes to stories of national significance. Watching a film like 120 Bahadur in a theatre filled with people creates a shared emotional response that strengthens its impact. The silence during intense moments, the collective respect for the fallen soldiers, and the discussions that follow can turn a film into a cultural event rather than just a form of entertainment. For Akhtar, making the film tax-free is not just about increasing footfall—it is about ensuring that the story resonates deeply and collectively across the country.
Political Support and Growing Public Appeal
Akhtar’s call has found support not only among fans but also in political circles. A legislator from Rajasthan wrote to the state government urging a tax exemption, stating that the film provides an important lesson in patriotism and sacrifice. According to him, 120 Bahadur rekindles pride in India’s military history and must reach every corner of the country without financial barriers.
Several social groups and war veterans’ organizations have also backed Akhtar’s appeal. Many believe the film offers a rare opportunity to showcase the depth of bravery displayed by Indian soldiers in Rezang La, a battle often studied deeply in military academies but not widely known among the general public.
The growing support for 120 Bahadur from political figures and public groups indicates that the film has struck a chord even before its release. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how audiences respond to films based on real-life events, particularly those involving national history and the armed forces. Such films often spark conversations that go beyond the screen, encouraging people to revisit historical narratives and engage with them more critically. The backing from legislators and public representatives suggests that the story of Rezang La is being recognized as an important part of India’s cultural and historical identity.
Additionally, veterans’ organizations have played a crucial role in amplifying the film’s message. For many former soldiers, the Battle of Rezang La is not just a chapter in history—it is a symbol of the values that define the Indian Army: courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Their support adds authenticity and emotional weight to the film’s narrative. Public discussions, social media campaigns, and community screenings organized by such groups could further extend the reach of the film, ensuring that its message is not confined to urban multiplex audiences but reaches people across different regions and backgrounds.
Protests and Controversies Surrounding the Film
Even before its release, 120 Bahadur found itself at the center of controversy. Some members of the Ahir community, which formed a large portion of the soldiers in the Rezang La battle, protested that the film’s title did not specifically acknowledge their contribution. They argued that naming the film 120 Bahadur did not highlight the Ahir identity of the regiment and demanded a title change.
A few groups even approached the courts, claiming that the film focused too much on Major Shaitan Singh’s heroism while downplaying the collective bravery of the Ahir soldiers. The filmmakers, however, maintained that the story honors all 120 martyrs equally and that the title reflects the bravery of the entire unit, regardless of caste or community.
Despite protests, the film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification without major alterations. Makers have expressed that the narrative is historically grounded and crafted with deep respect for all who fought at Rezang La.
A Larger Conversation About Memory and Identity
Akhtar’s appeal and the mixed reactions to the film have opened up a broader discussion on how India remembers its heroes. Historians and military experts have long pointed out that the story of Rezang La deserves far more mainstream recognition. The battle represents:
- Unity across regions and communities
- Unmatched military discipline
- A rare example of soldiers fighting despite being surrounded
- The spirit of sacrifice without expectation of fame or reward
Akhtar believes that the debate around the film, while sometimes intense, highlights how important it is for Indians to engage with their own history. Films like 120 Bahadur, he says, help fill the gaps left by textbooks, especially when it comes to stories that carry emotional and national significance.
What a Tax-Free Status Would Symbolize
If states choose to make the film tax-free, it would reflect official recognition of the battle’s importance. Tax exemption has previously been granted to movies that:
- Document important historical or social issues
- Promote national unity
- Celebrate unsung heroes
In this context, 120 Bahadur fits neatly into all three categories.
A tax-free status would not only reduce the financial burden on audiences but also send a symbolic message that the government values the legacy of the Rezang La warriors. Akhtar hopes that this recognition will amplify the film’s impact and help engrain the story deeply into public consciousness.
A Tribute Beyond Cinema
At its core, 120 Bahadur is Farhan Akhtar’s tribute to soldiers who left behind families, villages, and civilian lives to defend a young nation facing a perilous moment in its history. For Akhtar, telling this story is more than a creative project — it is a cultural duty.
Speaking about the film, he has said:
“We often forget what came before us, what sacrifices gave us the life we live today. If this film helps even a few people understand that, then all of us who worked on it will feel deeply fulfilled.”
The Road Ahead
As 120 Bahadur reaches audiences across India, the conversation around its tax-free status continues. Whether governments accept Akhtar’s request remains to be seen, but the film has undeniably sparked renewed interest in the Battle of Rezang La and the soldiers who fought it.
For now, Akhtar’s message remains clear:
“This film honours forgotten heroes. It deserves to be seen by every Indian.”
