Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated war drama 120 Bahadur hit theaters on November 21, 2025, but advance bookings tell a concerning story. Despite chronicling one of India’s most heroic military battles, the film has struggled to attract audiences during the crucial pre-release period.
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120 Bahadur Advance Booking Performance: The Numbers
The advance ticket sales for 120 Bahadur paint a sobering picture for opening day prospects:
| Theater Chain | Tickets Sold | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| PVR Inox | ~6,000 admits | Weak |
| Cinepolis | ~1,600 admits | Underwhelming |
| Total | ~7,600 admits | Below expectations |
These figures indicate limited pre-release buzz, with national multiplex chains reporting disappointing pre-sales compared to other recent releases.
Opening Day Projections
Based on current booking trends and market analysis, industry experts predict 120 Bahadur will open within the ₹2-4 crore net range on its first day. This modest opening reflects several challenges:
- Limited promotional reach
- Crowded release weekend with Mastiii 4 and Gustaakh Ishq
- Subdued audience interest despite the patriotic theme
The film had paid previews starting November 18, three days before its official release, commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La.
Can Word-of-Mouth Save the Day?
While advance bookings suggest a soft start, 120 Bahadur’s fortune isn’t sealed yet. The film has potential to gain momentum through strong word-of-mouth if audiences respond positively to its content. War dramas often build gradually when storytelling and emotional resonance connect with viewers.
Early reviews have been mixed but encouraging, with some critics praising the cinematography and performances while noting pacing issues.
The Historic Battle That Inspired the Film
120 Bahadur recounts the legendary Battle of Rezang La (1962), where 120 Indian soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, defended their post against approximately 3,000 Chinese troops. This extraordinary act of valor remains one of the most celebrated chapters in Indian military history, with Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (played by Akhtar) posthumously receiving the Param Vir Chakra.
What Makes This Release Unique?
Despite box office concerns, 120 Bahadur has achieved several remarkable milestones:
- First Bollywood film to release simultaneously in over 800 defense theaters across India
- Screened at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa
- Released without any CBFC cuts—a rare achievement
- Strategic limited release with 900-1,000 screens targeting premium audiences
The film also features stunning visuals from Japanese-French cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata and music composed by Amit Trivedi with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
The Weekend Ahead
The real test for 120 Bahadur lies in its weekend performance. If the content resonates with audiences and positive reviews spread organically, the film could witness significant growth over Saturday and Sunday. War films often depend on strong patriotic sentiment and family audiences, which typically pick up momentum after opening day.
For moviegoers passionate about military history and compelling storytelling, 120 Bahadur offers a cinematic tribute to unsung heroes. Whether it can overcome its slow start remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was 120 Bahadur released in theaters?
A: 120 Bahadur was released on November 21, 2025, in theaters across India. The film also had paid previews starting November 18, 2025, coinciding with the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La.
Q: What is the expected opening day box office collection for 120 Bahadur?
A: Based on advance booking trends, 120 Bahadur is projected to collect between ₹2-4 crore net on its opening day. The actual figures will depend on walk-in audiences and word-of-mouth response over the weekend.
