India, Nov. 14 -- Farhan Akhtar, who stars as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati in the upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur, says the toughest part of doing a film set against the backdrop of conflict is maintaining honesty without sliding into nationalism for effect. Speaking on Just Too Filmy with Rotalks, he explained that the key is always staying true to the real story rather than dramatising it. "This film isn't make-believe. These are real men whose actions speak for themselves. Patriotism is beautiful, but jingoism is very ugly," he said.

Farhan emphasised that war narratives can easily be interpreted as propaganda in today's climate, which is why restraint becomes essential. "When soldiers act out of duty, you don't need to beat the drum loud...