Opening Weekend Momentum for 120 Bahadur
The historical war film 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar and Raashii Khanna, hit theaters on November 21, 2025, to a respectable but cautiously optimistic opening. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai, the period drama set a solid foundation at the box office, anchored by its gripping battle sequences and a fresh take on a pivotal chapter of history. As studios monitor early returns, the big takeaway is the noticeable lift in audiences as the weekend progressed.
By Saturday night, industry analysts reported a remarkable 71% growth in the film’s domestic box office compared with its Friday numbers. Such an uptick, while not unprecedented, signals a strong second-weekend push typical for genre films that rely on word-of-mouth and repeat viewership rather than heavy Saturday marketing.
Word-of-Mouth Driving the Numbers
Initial reactions to 120 Bahadur praised the production values, the attention to historical detail, and the performances, particularly Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal and Raashii Khanna’s grounded presence. Early audiences who stayed through the credits indicated a desire to revisit key scenes and discuss the film’s reenactments and powerfully staged combat sequences. This organic word-of-mouth chatter appears to be translating into additional footfalls, a critical signal for a film that benefits from repeat viewing and positive social buzz.
Market chatter across social platforms suggests audiences left the cinema with a sense of cinematic immersion—an element that often correlates with longer stays in theaters and stronger Saturday-to-Sunday growth. In an industry where opening-day performance can be tempered by competition or mixed reviews, 120 Bahadur’ s sustained momentum offers a glimmer of stability for the weekend box office landscape.
What These Numbers Mean for the Box Office
Analysts are watching whether the 71% surge translates into a meaningful climb in overall domestic gross across the next week. If the trend holds, 120 Bahadur could carve out a steady middle-ground run, appealing to fans of historical epics and action alike. The film’s success will also hinge on its overseas performance and how it resonates with international audiences who gravitate toward high-production-value Indian cinema with universal themes of sacrifice, resilience, and camaraderie in war-torn eras.
From a production standpoint, Razneesh Ghai’s direction is earning consideration for its balance of scale and character-driven storytelling. The collaboration with Farhan Akhtar has drawn early comparisons to other ensemble period dramas that blend intimate drama with large-scale battle tableaux. The current weekend uptick may encourage studios to seek similar collaborations that pair star power with credible, historically grounded narratives.
About the Film
120 Bahadur is set during a defining moment in history, weaving personal narratives with the broader currents of war. Farhan Akhtar embodies a leadership-driven character whose tactical acumen and moral compass repeatedly place him at the center of critical, high-stakes decisions. Raashii Khanna provides a compelling foil and ally, contributing both emotional resonance and tactical savvy in a story that tests loyalty and courage under fire. The film’s production design, cinematography, and sound design work in concert to transport viewers into its period-accurate world, with the narrative pacing designed to reward attentive viewing and thoughtful reflection.
Looking Ahead
With another weekend ahead, 120 Bahadur has the opportunity to consolidate gains if the positive word-of-mouth continues and if theatres emphasize the film’s most compelling sequences. Audiences curious about Indian wartime cinema, as well as fans of the cast and the director, will likely keep theaters busy. For filmmakers and exhibitors, the film’s early trajectory underscores the importance of audience engagement beyond opening night—an essential factor in sustaining box office life for prestige-era dramas in a crowded market.
