Farhan Akhtar’s ‘120 Bahadur’ sparks controversy, Yadav community insists on renaming it ‘120 Veer Ahir’

Members of the Yadav community staged a protest in Gurugram, voicing strong opposition to the title of Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur.

The film, set against the 1962 Indo-China war, was announced last year and has already generated discussion with its teaser. But the title has now sparked controversy.

Protesters demand change in film’s title

The protesters blocked roads in Gurugram, demanding that the makers rename the film 120 Veer Ahir. They argue the new title would better reflect the contribution of Yadav soldiers in the Battle of Rezang La.

Mahendra Singh Patwari, a member of the Ahir Regiment, told ANI, “Our demand is that the name of 120 Bahadur be changed to 120 Veer Ahir. Our martyrs should be named in the movie, and it should end with a tribute; otherwise, this protest will take a larger form on 26 October.”

Another protestor, Tarun, alleged that the film suppresses the Yadav community’s history. He said, “We have no complaints with the government. We are just opposing Farhan Akhtar starrer 120 Bahadur. Our ancestors sacrificed for the country, but in this movie, the focus is on someone else. If the title is not changed, we will boycott the film.”

He added that audiences in other parts of the country may remain unaware of Yadav contributions if the film does not explicitly mention them in the title.

About the film ‘120 Bahadur’

The project, directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Amit Chandrra, is slated for release on 21 November 2025.

Set during the Battle of Rezang La, the film follows Major Shaitan Singh and 120 soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought against overwhelming Chinese troops. Farhan Akhtar plays Major Shaitan Singh, while actor Raashii Khanna makes a special appearance.

The teaser, unveiled last month, highlighted the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. A line from the trailer reads, “Yeh wardi sirf himmat nahi, balidan bhi mangti hai” (The uniform does not only demand courage, but sacrifice too).