Delhi Declares Farhan Akhtar’ War Drama ‘120 Bahadur’ Tax-Free

New Delhi, November 28, 2025: The Delhi Government has declared Farhan Akhtar’s war drama, ‘120 Bahadur,’ tax-free in the city, effective from November 28, 2025. This significant decision was made as a “special mark of respect” to the valiant soldiers whose extraordinary courage is portrayed in the film.

A Tribute to Unyielding Courage

The move, announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on X (formerly Twitter), aims to encourage a wider audience—especially students, families, and youngsters—to witness the inspiring true story of the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The film meticulously chronicles the heroic last stand of the Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, comprising just 120 soldiers, predominantly from the Ahir community. They defended their post against a vastly superior Chinese force, inflicting heavy casualties and becoming a defining symbol of national pride and military resolve. The story centers on the leadership and ultimate sacrifice of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, played by Farhan Akhtar, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.

In her announcement, CM Gupta lauded the film, stating, “This historical war film pays tribute to the extraordinary courage, leadership, and sacrifice of the 120 soldiers… As a special mark of respect to the valiant soldiers, the Delhi Government has decided to grant tax-free status to the film.”

Impact on Ticket Prices and Box Office

The tax-free status removes the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) component from the ticket price, making it significantly cheaper for viewers in Delhi. For example, a prime-row ticket that previously cost around ₹410 is now approximately ₹62.54 cheaper. This financial incentive is expected to provide a crucial boost to the film’s box office run, which, despite strong critical appreciation, had seen a mild dip in collections during the week following its November 21 release. The film has reportedly collected around ₹15 crore net in India so far.

The film’s protagonist, Farhan Akhtar, had previously expressed his desire for the film to be made tax-free, stating it would greatly benefit the story’s reach. “The Battle of Rezang La is not a story that is widely known, so, to learn about Shaitan Singh ji, to learn about the 120 men who fought beside him, I really feel that making it tax-free will definitely benefit the story going out far and wide,” he said at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Film Overview and Production

Directed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios, ‘120 Bahadur’ also stars Raashii Khanna as Major Bhati’s wife and features Vivan Bhatena and Ankit Siwach in key roles. The producers faced a legal challenge regarding the historical representation ahead of the release, but the Delhi High Court ultimately cleared the film, noting that the names of all 120 soldiers are mentioned in the end credits as a special tribute.

The film’s tax exemption not only provides financial relief to moviegoers but also validates the makers’ intent to honour a powerful and lesser-known chapter of India’s military history, ensuring the heroic saga reaches the maximum number of citizens.