120 Bahadur Flops and Why Farhan Akhtar Isn’t Over It Yet

Bollywood has its hits, and it has its misses but when a project as big and anticipated as 120 Bahadur underperforms, it sends ripples across the industry and into the personal lives of those who made it.

A still of Farhan Akhtar from 120 Bahadur in uniform with a caption: Farhan Akhtar in 120 Bahadur, a film depicting the Battle of Rezang La.

Here’s a closer look at what happened, why it matters, and what 120 Bahadur’s team especially Farhan Akhtar and his mother, veteran writer Honey Irani have said about the movie’s unexpected box office journey.

What 120 Bahadur Was

Released in November 2025, 120 Bahadur was marketed as a grand war drama based on the Battle of Rezang La one of India’s most heroic yet heartbreaking military stand‑offs. Directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai and starring Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, the film aimed to depict grit, valor, and sacrifice on a massive scale.

Critics and audiences praised the film’s cinematography and performances, especially the gritty realism of the Ladakh battle scenes. Farhan’s committed performance and the production’s visual ambition were seen as genuine pluses.

Yet, despite its telling of real heroism and technical strengths, 120 Bahadur did not translate into box office success a rare outcome for such a large‑scale project.

A Personal Setback Farhan Akhtar’s Reaction

In a recent interview, Honey Irani, Farhan Akhtar’s mother and a respected screenwriter, spoke candidly about her son’s emotional response to the film’s commercial performance.

She acknowledged that failure especially after so much effort, money, and passion is deeply personal. “It pains a lot,” she said, adding that Farhan will take time to get over it. Her belief is that while Farhan will bounce back, the emotional impact must be acknowledged and processed not rushed.

Honey Irani also emphasized a philosophy she’s long shared with her children: “Don’t take success to your head, and don’t take failure to your heart.” It’s an important reminder that filmmaking like life is unpredictable. Even good films can falter, and great lessons often arise from setbacks.

So Why Did 120 Bahadur Flop?

There’s no single answer, but a few trends and reactions help explain the outcome:

Audience Expectations vs. RealityFilm discussion forums showed mixed reactions: some viewers praised the visuals and effort, while others felt pacing and execution kept it from connecting deeply.

Genre FatigueA number of viewers feel that the Indian audience may be getting oversaturated with war films that follow similar emotional beats reducing novelty and excitement.

Cultural ControversiesEven before release, 120 Bahadur sparked debates with some community leaders questioning its title and representation of historical events, arguing the sacrifices of certain soldiers deserved more specific recognition.

All these factors can dull the box office impact of even the most well crafted films.

What This Means for Bollywood

120 Bahadur’s commercial performance despite its production values underscores how box office success isn’t always tied directly to quality or intent. It also reveals the emotional stakes for filmmakers like Farhan Akhtar, who pour their identity into storied projects.

Ultimately, the film community’s reaction alongside comments from Honey Irani reveals a truth about cinema: success in art is measurable in more than just ticket sales.

Final Thoughts

Setbacks are part of any creative journey. For Farhan Akhtar, 120 Bahadur may be a pause rather than a fall a lesson, not a loss. And as Honey Irani wisely put it, what matters most is resilience, reflection, and the courage to return to the next story.