'Unnecessarily fictionalized': 'Rezang La' author slams Farhan's '120 Bahadur'
What's the story
Farhan Akhtar's latest release, 120 Bahadur, has been embroiled in controversy over its portrayal of the 1962 India-China war. The film depicts the battle of Rezang La, where 120 Indian soldiers valiantly fought against 3,000 Chinese troops. However, it has faced criticism for allegedly distorting historical facts. Now, author Kulpreet Yadav, who wrote the 2021 non-fiction book The Battle of Rezang La, has criticized 120 Bahadur for its "fictionalized narrative."
Author's criticism
'Great opportunity lost,' says Yadav
Yadav expressed his disappointment in a video on X, stating, "It was such a great battle and there was no need to fictionalize the story." "The director and the makers have converted a team's effort into one man's completely fictionalized story." "I'm very disappointed as I was looking forward to the movie with great anticipation. Great opportunity lost, but you are welcome to watch the film and talk about it."
Defense
Yadav defended his stance amid differing opinions
When an X user pointed out that various claims can be made about a story depending on one's viewpoint, Yadav stood his ground. He said, "No valor is big or small, and no community is big or small. This isn't about community." "My only point is that the script is unnecessarily fictionalized. The battle itself was powerful enough & it just needed to be told truthfully." Directed by Razneesh Ghai, the movie was released on Friday.
Twitter Post
Here's what Yadav said
Watched 120 Bahadur today. So much of fictionalisation! I think overall a subpar film. A great opportunity lost to immortalise our war heroes. What a letdown! #120Bahadurpic.twitter.com/7CZKBptLSX
— Kulpreet Yadav (@Kulpreetyadav) November 21, 2025
Legal battle
'120 Bahadur's legal woes
Previously, on November 20, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking to stall 120 Bahadur's release. The petition had claimed that the film distorts historical facts. The court said that the petitioners could watch the movie and check if any changes are needed. If so, these should be made for the OTT release. The court noted, "Even for the OTT release, only the names of the soldiers along with the proper regiment will be mentioned."
About the film
More about the film and Akhtar's role
Akhtar plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who posthumously received the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the Battle of Rezang La. His unit, consisting mostly of Ahir soldiers, defended the Rezang La Pass, Chushul airfield's first line of defense. The petitioners alleged that the film distorts historical truth by glorifying Major Singh as a lone hero under a fictional name, 'Bhati.' Meanwhile, Akhtar earlier said that the film is not just about Major Singh but his entire team.