On 21 November 2025, Bollywood witnesses the unusual release of two very different films on the same day: the adult comedy Masti 4 and the patriotic war drama 120 Bahadur. While their genres, target audiences, and themes could not be more different, both films are facing a common challenge: dull advance bookings, raising concerns about their opening day performance. This twin release is being closely watched — not only for box office implications but for what it signals about audience sentiment and franchise fatigue in Bollywood.
Background: What Are the Films About?
Masti 4
Masti 4 brings back Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani, reuniting for another round of “crazy adult comedy.” This is the fourth film in the Masti franchise, known for its risqué humor, double-entendres, and outlandish comic situations.
The film promises “chaos and humor,” targeting an audience that enjoys light, bawdy comedy rather than serious content. Masti 4 will also hit OTT (streaming) around 16 January 2026, giving the makers a secondary window post-theatrical.
On the censorship front, the CBFC made some changes: reportedly, a few dialogues were altered or replaced, including the use of certain words and alcohol brand names, signaling that even adult comedies are under regulatory scrutiny.
120 Bahadur
120 Bahadur is a war drama based on the Battle of Rezang La (1962), where 120 Indian soldiers made a heroic stand against overwhelming odds. Farhan Akhtar plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (PVC), with Raashii Khanna in a supporting role alongside a broader ensemble.
The film is directed by Razneesh “Razy” Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios. It marks a first in Hindi cinema: the movie is being released in over 800 defence theatres across India via mobile cinema networks, a historic rollout. Paid previews were held on 18 November 2025, three days before the official release, coinciding with the 63rd anniversary of the battle.
The Delhi High Court recently cleared its release after dismissing a PIL challenging the film’s certification and title. As a tribute, the film’s end credits will display the names of all 120 soldiers, acknowledging their sacrifice.
Advance Booking & Box Office Forecast
Both Masti 4 and 120 Bahadur are experiencing weak advance ticket sales in national multiplex chains. By Thursday evening, 120 Bahadur had sold only a few thousand tickets across top chains, while Masti 4 fared even worse.
Based on these trends, box-office experts predict opening day revenue for each film in the ₹2–3 crore (net) range. Both films are unlikely to cross 10,000 ticket sales before day one, setting up a “soft weekend” if pre-release momentum does not pick up.
Early Reviews & Audience Sentiment
120 Bahadur
Early reviews are largely positive, praising the film’s cinematography, emotional weight, and realistic portrayal of the battlefield. The background score and visuals are highlighted as particular strengths. The narration, reportedly with voice-over, has added emotional gravitas.
Early viewers appreciated the tight screenplay, action sequences, and technical execution, while some noted potential drawbacks like limited emotional impact or overly dramatic sequences. The film’s tribute to the soldiers and paid previews on 18 November have already created a sentimental connection with audiences.
Masti 4
There is little in the way of early critical review for Masti 4, as adult comedies often rely more on mass audience reaction than critic acclaim. Given its franchise history, expectations are moderate.
On social media, some viewers question whether the adult humor and double-entendre jokes still resonate with modern audiences. The CBFC’s required dialogue changes have sparked curiosity about how “bold” the final film will feel.
Controversies & Sensitivities
120 Bahadur
A PIL was filed alleging that 120 Bahadur distorts historical facts about the Battle of Rezang La, arguing that the film focuses too much on Major Shaitan Singh while minimizing the role of 113 Ahir soldiers from the 13 Kumaon Regiment. The petitioners demanded a title change or acknowledgment of the Ahir community’s contribution.
The Delhi High Court dismissed the plea, allowing the film’s release while advising the inclusion of a tribute in the end credits listing all 120 soldiers. This acknowledgment aims to honor the soldiers and mitigate community concerns.
Masti 4
Masti 4 faces minor criticism regarding its humor, with some viewers describing it as vulgar or regressive. CBFC-required dialogue modifications indicate regulatory sensitivity. Additionally, there are questions about whether this style of adult comedy still appeals to contemporary audiences.
Strategic Moves & Unusual Release Patterns
For 120 Bahadur, the team deployed a historic release strategy by screening the film in defence theatres (800+ across India) via mobile cinema networks. Paid previews on the battle’s anniversary are a symbolic marketing strategy, tying the film emotionally to its real-life inspiration.
For Masti 4, streaming plans offer a safety net: if theatrical response is weak, the film may find its audience later online. This hybrid release strategy allows producers to capture both theatrical and digital markets.
Risks & Challenges for Both Films
Box Office Risk
Low advance bookings suggest weak pre-release momentum. With day-one collections anticipated in the ₹2–3 crore bracket, neither film guarantees a strong opening. They will need strong word-of-mouth to recover: 120 Bahadur depending on patriotic resonance and reviews, and Masti 4 relying on walk-in audiences and repeat business.
Content Risk
120 Bahadur must balance historical accuracy and cinematic drama. Misrepresentation could backfire and alienate certain communities. Masti 4 risks being perceived as outdated; gross-out humor or double-entendre jokes may not resonate with changing audience preferences.
Distribution & Screen Risk
120 Bahadur has a limited release strategy of around 900–1,000 screens. Masti 4 may struggle in multiplexes if single-screen audiences are insufficient or screen allocation is limited.
Potential Upside Scenarios
For 120 Bahadur
If critic reviews remain positive, especially around emotional and visual execution, the film could gain traction over the weekend. The defence theatre rollout could boost reach among military communities, while end-credit tributes may earn goodwill. Public sentiment could further lift box office performance if the film resonates patriotically.
For Masti 4
Despite weak advance bookings, comedies often rely on walk-in audiences and may pick up later in the day. The OTT release in January offers an additional revenue window. Nostalgic value from the Masti franchise could attract longtime fans.
Broader Implications for Bollywood
The twin release of two very different films reflects diverse production strategies: one commercial franchise comedy, the other a serious war drama. Weak advance bookings may indicate audience fatigue, ineffective marketing, or both.
The success or failure of these films could influence future release strategies, particularly for films targeting niche markets like defence audiences or adult-comedy fans. 120 Bahadur’s defence-theatre model could pave the way for more military-themed releases, while Masti’s performance may guide the creative direction for comedy sequels.
