Gurugram: The Ahir community staged a large protest on Sunday against Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming film 120 Bahadur. The protesters are demanding that the film’s title be changed to 120 Veer Ahir, saying the current name distorts historical facts and disrespects the community’s martyrs.
Hundreds of Ahir leaders and supporters began a foot march from Kherki Daula toll to the Delhi border, causing a long traffic jam on National Highway 48. Vehicles coming from Jaipur remained stranded for hours, and the toll plaza was blocked, disrupting tax collection. The demonstration has raised questions about how the district administration granted permission for such a large-scale protest.
The film 120 Bahadur is based on the Battle of Rezangla during the 1962 India-China War. In this battle, 114 Ahir soldiers from the 13th Kumaon Regiment displayed extraordinary courage while defending Indian territory. The Ahir community argues that calling the film 120 Bahadur instead of 120 Veer Ahir misrepresents the actual number of soldiers involved and fails to acknowledge their Ahir identity.
Community leaders said they will continue their agitation until the filmmakers agree to revise the title. The controversy highlights the growing sensitivity around historical representation in Indian cinema, where communities are increasingly demanding accuracy and respect for their heroes.
