Key Points:
- 120 Bahadur earned ₹2.35 crore on opening day, below expectations and lagging behind Masti 4
- Day 2 saw 100% jump with ₹2.38-2.84 crore, taking total collection to ₹4.63-5.09 crore
- Saturday occupancy was 11.86%, with evening shows strongest at 16.47%
- Audience reactions on social media praise the film’s emotional impact and tribute to soldiers
- Film is based on 1962 Battle of Rezang La, Farhan plays Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh
- Despite competition from multiple releases, positive word-of-mouth is driving growth
Farhan Akhtar-starrer war drama 120 Bahadur faced a challenging start at the box office, collecting approximately ₹2.25-2.35 crore on its first day, according to preliminary figures from Sacnilk and Filmibeat reports. This was an average start for the film, especially considering its large budget of approximately ₹85 crore. The opening day collection placed it as Farhan Akhtar’s seventh highest opening of all time, behind films like The Sky Is Pink (₹2.5 crore) but ahead of Lucknow Central (₹2.04 crore). The film underperformed on opening day, lagging behind the comedy Masti 4, which released on the same day and targeted single-screen mass audiences. According to a Moneycontrol report, the film arrived in a direct box office clash with Masti 4 and faced strong competition from De De Pyaar De 2, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, and Thamma, among others, causing an impact on footfalls. The worldwide opening day gross was ₹2.70 crore, but the international market performance was poor, earning only ₹3.5 million (₹0.35 crore) in overseas collections.
Day 2 Shows Remarkable Growth and Weekend Prospects
The film’s earnings saw a significant jump on the second day, indicating strong word-of-mouth growth. By Saturday, November 22, 2025, early estimates suggested the film experienced a remarkable 100% increase in earnings from the first day. Sacnilk reported that by 4:15 pm on Saturday, the film had collected approximately ₹1.62 crore, bringing its total to ₹3.87 crore, though these figures were preliminary. The final day 2 collection is estimated at ₹2.38-2.84 crore, taking the total two-day collection to ₹4.63-5.09 crore. The film had an overall 11.86% Hindi occupancy on Saturday, with morning shows at 5.80%, afternoon shows at 13.31%, and evening shows showing the strongest performance at 16.47%. The positive buzz surrounding Farhan Akhtar and Raashi Khanna’s performance seems to be paying off, with afternoon and evening screenings on Saturday showing significantly higher attendance, suggesting a promising weekend ahead.
Audience Reception and Social Media Reaction
Audiences have received the film with strong emotional responses, with social media praising the film’s casting, action, and portrayal of heroism. Paid preview screenings generated powerful reactions, with viewers calling it “not just a movie, it’s a tribute to 120 heroes of Rezang La.” One viewer wrote, “Kal raat se hi andar ek soft pride run ho rahi hai. It gave the right kind of patriotic push.” Another commented, “When the film ended, no one jumped for the exit. Kal log bas ruk gaye. Quiet. Respectful.” Critics have noted that while the story could have been presented in a stronger way, the film’s emotional impact is undeniable. The film captures courage without shouting about it, showing bravery in an honest and deeply felt manner. Farhan Akhtar’s performance as Major Shaitan Singh has been particularly praised, with many calling it one of his most moving performances. The line “Hum Peechhe Nahin Hatenge” captures the soldiers’ unwavering resolve and patriotism, resonating strongly with audiences.
Historical Context and Unique Screening Initiative
120 Bahadur is based on the historic Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, in which 120 soldiers of the Indian Army’s 13th Kumaon Regiment fought against 3,000 Chinese soldiers. Farhan Akhtar plays Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh in the film. The film is directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, with the story written by Sumit Arora and Rajiv Menon. In a unique tribute, the film will be screened at the Rezang La War Memorial Auditorium in Chushul village, Ladakh, at an altitude of 16,452 feet. PictureTime, a mobile theatre company, will bring the film to soldiers and locals to witness the war epic on the big screen on November 22, 2025. This initiative allows the real heroes’ story to be told at the very location where the battle took place, adding a layer of authenticity and respect to the film’s release.
Competition and Market Challenges
The film’s modest opening can be attributed to the crowded release window, with multiple films competing for audience attention. Both 120 Bahadur and Masti 4 were expected to perform well at the box office, but both films disappointed in terms of earnings on opening day. While Masti 4 had the advantage of being a franchise film targeting single-screen mass audiences, 120 Bahadur is positioning itself as a prestige war drama aimed at multiplex audiences. The survival of the fittest principle is at play, with the ticket windows packed with multiple releases. However, the positive word-of-mouth for 120 Bahadur is helping it gain momentum, while Masti 4’s performance appears to be slowing down. The film’s growth trajectory suggests that if the trend continues, it could overcome its slow start and achieve respectable lifetime collections, though reaching its ₹85 crore budget break-even point will require sustained performance over the coming weeks.
