Protest intensifies against Farhan Akhtar’s movie

Hundreds of protesters blocked the Kherki Daula toll plaza on NH8 raising slogans against Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming movie 120 Bahadur, threatening a boycott in South Haryana.

They have been demanding that the movie’s title be changed to 120 Veer Ahir to honour community’s sacrifice in the Battle of Rezang La, on which the movie is based. An Ahir mahapanchayat held today demanded that the movie be screened for them as they wanted to ensure that the community’s tale of valour and sacrifice was not trivialised. The protestors have threatened a bigger action on October 26 if their demands are not met .

Farhan Akhtar plays the role of Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Shaitan Singh. It is directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Akhtar himself along with Ritesh Sidhwani and Amit Chandrra. 120 Bahadur is slated to release in theatres on November 21.

The community claims that it appeared that filmmakers chose not to talk about the community soldiers at all. Rao Ajit Singh, patron of the Ahir Regiment movement, expressed the community’s demand, saying that the movie’s title should be changed to 120 Veer Ahir, and it should also end with a tribute to the martyrs of the community, many of whom use the Yadav surname. Talking to The Tribune, he said, “ It is not the first time that this battle is being talked about in Bollywood. However, each time our community’s contribution is ignored. The Ahirwal region sends the largest number of soldiers to the Forces and our take needs to be told.”

Another protester claimed that Akhtar’s film was allegedly trying to suppress the history of the Yadavs. He requested that the makers change the title of the movie, else, they would boycott the movie. “The Yadav community has gathered here today. We have no complaints with the government. We are just opposing Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur. Our ancestors have sacrificed a lot for the country, but in this movie, the focus is on someone else. Our request is that either the title of the movie be changed, or we will boycott it. When this movie is released here, then they will be unaware of Yadav’s history due to the title,” the protester added.