The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant verdict in the matter of the upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur, dismissing a petition that challenged the film’s release. The court’s decision has paved the way for the film to hit the theatres on November 21 as scheduled.
The petition, filed by the Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha charity trust, along with the families of soldiers who died in the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, had argued that the film distorts historical facts and sought to change its name. They claimed that the film erases the collective identity and sacrifice of the Ahir community, which is predominantly represented in the film. The petitioners had sought to delay the release of the film, alleging that it glorifies Major Shaitan Singh at the expense of the heroism shown by the predominantly Ahir soldiers in C Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment.
A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain refused to delay the release, observing that it is too late to change the film’s title and release date, or to implement last-minute changes. The court noted that the filmmakers have honoured the 120 soldiers by including their names in the end credits as a special tribute. However, the bench clarified that there is some ambiguity as to whether names of all the 120 soldiers have been mentioned or not, and directed that the film is permitted to be released in theatres as it is on Friday across the country. The court also suggested that the petitioners may watch the theatrical version and, if they find missing or incorrect names, corrective changes should be made during the OTT release. It is made clear that even for the OTT release, only the names of the soldiers, along with the proper regiment will be mentioned.
The PIL had challenged the CBFC certification of the film, alleging that it glorifies Major Shaitan Singh (fictionalised as ‘Bhati’) at the expense of the heroism shown by the predominantly Ahir soldiers in C Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment. The filmmakers have maintained that the film is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Rezang La. The film’s director, Farhan Akhtar, has said that the film is a sincere and stirring salute to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. The film’s release is now set to go ahead as scheduled, with the filmmakers looking forward to sharing the film with the audience. The Delhi High Court’s decision has been welcomed by the film’s makers, who are confident that the film will be well-received by the audience. The film’s release is expected to be a significant event in the Indian film industry, with many people eagerly awaiting the opportunity to watch the film on the big screen.
