This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…What can one convey or enlighten about a film that has the word 'Classic' written all over it? One of the most appreciated and admired movies… also, one of the most discussed and analyzed movies ever, SHOLAY, directed by one of the finest storytellers of India [Ramesh Sippy], now unveils in a new avatar — 3D. Watching the film in 3D is truly an experience. And for those who haven't watched the original version, all I'd say is, watch it pronto, for you cannot replicate a film like SHOLAY. Ever.
The 3D version of this all-time classic should work for two reasons: One, the simplicity on display, when one compares it with the recent releases that are infested with VFX. Two, the invigorating and revitalizing drama [writers: Salim-Javed] that leaves you awestruck, even though you may have lost count of the number of times you've watched this incredible entertainer. The icing on the cake are the well-defined characters — Thakur, Jai, Veeru, Basanti, Radha and of course, Gabbar.
Not many are aware that SHOLAY did not take off the way it should, when it first released in theatres. Gradually, a few weeks later, SHOLAY attracted audiences in hordes and ran for more than five years non-stop at Mumbai's Minerva theatre, besides celebrating Golden Jubilee and Silver Jubilee in several cities and towns then. Furthermore, the film set new records across the country, immortalizing the characters, the songs and the dialogue… just everything associated with the film.
Having grown up on SHOLAY and the masala films of yore, the 3D version of the film helps you relive the moments associated with it. Especially the evergreen, iconic dialogues delivered by Gabbar and Thakur. Sample these…
[Delivered by Gabbar]
'Tera kya hoga, Kaaliya?'
'Jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya'
'Holi kab hai, kab hai Holi?'
'Bahut yaarana lagta hai'
'Kitne aadmi thhe?'
'Yeh dushmani bahut mehengi padegi Thakur, bahut mehengi'
'Yeh haath humko de-de, Thakur'
[Delivered by Thakur]
'Jao, jaake kehdo Gabbar se, Ramgarh-walo ne paagal kutton ke saamne roti daalna bandh kar diya hain'
'Yeh haath nahin, phaansi ka phanda hain, Gabbar'
In fact, the dialogues — memorable all — reverberate even after almost four decades.
With 3D, every pivotal character stands out [quite literally!] in the film. A special mention ought to be made of the train sequence, the climax scene where Amitabh Bachchan blows the bridge with the last bullet and when the goons chase Basanti, who is on her tonga…
The music of SHOLAY is timeless, much like the dialogues. Even though the songs have been heard/watched over and over again, the 3D effects add sheen to the same. The music by R.D. Burman is easily amongst his best, in my opinion. 'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge', 'Jab Tak Hain Jaan', 'Mehbooba' and 'Holi Ke Din' are simply inimitable. Also, the contribution by DoP [Dwarka Divecha] is simply invaluable. I'd also like to mention the immense contribution by the team that brought this much-loved classic in 3D.
SHOLAY was truly the biggest film of its times and having stars like Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri and Amjad Khan in a frame was magical. Also, who can ever forget the supporting cast — A.K. Hangal, Satyen Kappu, Asrani, Sachin, Viju Khote, Mac Mohan, Jagdeep, Leela Mishra, Iftekhar… Every performance was beyond perfect!
On the whole, there are films and there is SHOLAY. Frankly, it would be sacrilegious to miss this classic. Watch it. Now.
Article written by staff at Bollywood Hungama. Read more
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