Chandigarh: The Union government informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it will announce its decision within two days on a plea related to the film ‘120 Bahadur’. The film stars Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhatti and focuses on the Rezang La battle. The court disposed of the PIL that sought to stop the release.
The petitioners asked the court to direct the makers to rename the film as ‘120 Veer Ahir’. They said this would honour the 120 soldiers who took part in the battle. They also asked for the film to include the names of 114 soldiers who died and six who survived. The court asked why the petitioners were sensitive about the name and advised them to wait for the government’s decision.
The family members of the Rezang La martyrs and the Samyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha filed the PIL. They argued that the film distorts events from the 1962 India China war. They said the film highlights Major Singh as the only hero, which reduces the role of the others who fought and died.
Counsel Abhinav Sood appeared for Excel Entertainment. He said the film had received clearance from the Censor Board and the Ministry of Defence. He argued that the petition was premature because the challenge is based on the trailer alone. He said the petition jumped to conclusions without viewing the full film.
The court closed the matter after noting the government’s assurance of a prompt decision.
