Farhan Akhtar, known for films like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, and Don, once wanted to direct a war drama based on the 1962 India-China conflict. According to the report, the multi-talented director had
come across a script and wanted Salman Khan as the lead. However, things did not materialise between them.
Bollywood Hungama has quoted a source saying, “Farhan Akhtar had come across a script about the 1962 India vs China war. He expressed the desire to direct the film. He even met Salman Khan as he felt that the superstar would be able to do justice to the lead role. However, things didn’t materialize as Salman was busy with other commitments.”
Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming film:
Son of legendary screenwriter Javed Akhtar, Farhan began in Bollywood as an assistant director on Lamhe (1991) and Himalay Putra (1997). He went on to direct Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, and Don, and acted in films including Rock On!, Luck By Chance, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Dil Dhadakne Do. His next project is 120 Bahadur.
Drawing from the true events of the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, the teaser delivers a gripping portrayal of 120 Indian soldiers who held their ground against overwhelming odds. At its emotional core is the resounding line, “Hum Peechhe Nahin Hatenge!”, a powerful declaration of defiance that reverberates through the visuals.
The makers, taking to their official handle, posted the teaser along with the caption, “Yeh wardi sirf himmat nahin, balidaan bhi maangti hai! Based on the incredible true story, this is a war forged in snow and sealed with sacrifice. 120 Bahadur teaser out now. Releasing in cinemas near you on 21st Nov, 2025.”
Meanwhile, Farhan Akhtar is also gearing up to direct the next installment in the Don franchise. The upcoming film will feature Ranveer Singh and Kriti Sanon in the lead. Interestingly, Kiara Advani was originally cast in the female lead role but opted out of the project to prioritise her responsibilities as a new mother.
Salman Khan’s work front:
Salman Khan was last seen in Sikandar with Rashmika Mandanna. In the film, Salman Khan plays Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot, a man driven by personal tragedy to protect three individuals whose lives were altered by his late wife’s act—a gesture that puts him against a vengeful politician. Besides Salman, the film stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar. It received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics and flopped at the box office, earning only Rs 184.6 crore worldwide on a reported budget of Rs 200 crore.
He will be next seen in much-anticipated film Battle of Galwan, inspired by the 2020 conflict between Indian and Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley. The film marks a fresh collaboration between Salman Khan and actress Chitrangda Singh. The cast boasts talents including Zeyn Shaw, Ankur Bhatia, Harshil Shah, Heera Sohall, Abhilash Chaudhary, and Vipin Bhardwaj. Battle of Galwan is based on true events from June 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers fought in the remote, high-altitude Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Although there were agreements that banned the use of guns, the clash became one of the deadliest border fights in over 40 years.
