As the release date for Farhan Akhtar’s 120 Bahadur approaches, the marketing team is reshaping Bollywood strategies with a bold paid preview initiative. According to entertainment portals, the team will hold nationwide paid previews on November 18, 2025, marking the 63rd anniversary of the 1962 Battle of Rezang La.
This move comes three days before the official release on November 21 and includes over 30 shows across the country. Bookings for these screenings are already open.
Paid previews allow audiences to watch a film before release by purchasing a ticket. While the specific theatre list is not yet announced, the nationwide scale indicates that major multiplex chains and key single screens will participate.
Urban centres like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata are expected to host most of these screenings. This is being called a path breaking step because it is the first time in Hindi cinema that screenings are being offered on a special occasion ahead of release.
While Indian films usually follow a fixed release day, 120 Bahadur adopts a Hollywood style approach to test early reactions and build hype. In Tollywood, such paid previews are common when filmmakers are confident about their product. These shows aim to spark strong word of mouth and boost day one collections.
Timed with Rezang La Day, the preview also serves as a tribute to the 120 Ahirs who fought and sacrificed their lives during the battle.
Audiences and film reviewers are excited to watch the film before release. Many believe Farhan Akhtar’s popularity and the fresh release model will draw crowds to theatres.
However, trade analysts warn that early screenings for a select group may reduce the novelty for the wider audience. Spoilers and early reviews could affect excitement over the next three days.
Overall, urban viewers are eager for this exclusive screening and for Farhan Akhtar’s return to the big screen after four years.
