Sholay (1975)

Classic Masala Excellence

Initially, Sholay was a commercial disaster, but word of mouth convinced people to see the film, and eventually it ran for more than five straight years in Mumbai and netting all manner of awards, including Filmfare's Best Film of 50 Years. So, what's it all about?

It's complicated. You see, Sholay is a masala masterpiece, which means it includes everything you've ever thought of in a movie: romance, cultural commentary, comedy, action, drama. It's a buddy movie, and an action movie, and a love story, and a classic tragedy, and just about anything else you've seen in film but all in one amazing package. It would take nearly three hours for me to even scratch the surface of the many layers of the plot.

But here's what you really need to know: the story is engaging, the songs are classics, the acting is superb and subtle by all accounts, and no matter who you are, you will find something worth watching in this movie. Yes, the fashion is distinctly dated (including a light blue polyester pantsuit) and some of the greatness of the dialogue will be lost on the non-Hindi speaking audience. But do not be discouraged! This is truly the masterpiece of 1970s Indian cinema, the movie that helped create the legendary status of Amitabh Bachchan, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. July 10, 2008

'Kitne aadmi the'?

This dialog (translated as 'How many men were there'?) by Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) was one of the signature one-liners associated with this all time blockbuster of hindi cinema that is even till this day stands unparalleled in Indian Cinema. The script and storyline draws a parallel to a lot of popular films like Seven Samurai, Magnificent Seven etc.

It tells the story of two friends Veeru (Dharamendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bacchan), a couple of small time thieves and con men who are hired by Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kapoor), an ex-police officer and village elder, to rid his village Ramgarh, of the dreaded Gabbar Singh, a bandit and a wanted dacoit (an Indian robber).

Its one of the few films that everything came together, the songs, the acting, story, comedy (who can forget Dharamendra's drunken diatribe atop the water tower when denied marriage to Basanti (the gorgeous Hema Malini) but the difference was that for the first time, a villain was more appreciated than the heroes! Gabbar Singh was the ultimate villain ever, the very mention of his name would be used as a threat to ensure children behave themselves.

Some of what was done in the film from a directorial perspective, editing, effects, stunts etc formed a benchmark and study for future film makers.
Definitely should be added to your collection. March 24, 2008

The source of one-liners for all following generations.

I can't think of any other hindi movie where I was cheering for villain as much as Sholay. The villain is the both charasmatic and cheesy at the same time. Now that's an amazing feat of acting! January 12, 2007

Aap né kyaa ka-haa?

We love Indian movies.I'm still keeping this movie in videocassette for more than 15 years,maybe,but we don't understand Hindi.I'm still learning this beautiful language.I know this film is really outstanding,but without subtitles it'd be a bit hard for us.
Words are different,sentiments are the same for all human beings,anyway.
Get this movie. December 13, 2006

Needs a proper restoration....Criterion, anyone?

I tried to watch this DVD, and I had to stop. First, this film was shot in 70mm, and the DVD is pan and scan. Not good. Second, the songs weren't subtitled! Not good. And, thirdly, there are so many versions out there. How long was the actual film? 204 minutes? 280? Most people who have seen the entire thing have said it's magnificent. It's regarded as one of the greatest Bollywood films ever made, and we should be able to see it in all its uncut, widescreen, subtitled glory. Criterion should release something like this. They have never done a Bollywood film, and this is an important one, so it fits, excuse the pun, their criterion. October 29, 2006

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