Sholay Synopsis

“Indian film history can be divided into Sholay BC and Sholay AD.” (Sholay, the making of a classic By Anupama Chopra, Page 6)

Sholay is the most spoken about movie in India and hence it would be difficult for anyone to talk something that has not already been spoken. “Often described as a "curry" western, Sholay became a milestone in Indian cinema with an all-star cast, cult dialogue, stylish cinematography and a soundtrack that's still enjoyable today. It's the perfect entry point for any Bollywood virgins. It's a movie that you can watch again and again, and hardcore Bollywood fans do” (Rajput, D. 2005).

Sholay tells the story of two petty crooks; Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra); who are hired by Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) an ex police officer, to capture a dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Gabbar and his abettors kill all the members of Thakur’s family (except his daughter-in-law and servant as they were away to the temple when the massacre takes place); Gabbar also cuts off Thakur’s hands when Thakur tries to take revenge for murdering his family. Gabar Singh has caused terror not only in the life of Thakut but also in the entire village of Ramgrh. Jai and Veeru, do their best to protect the village from Gabbar but things don’t go the way right way. Love flourishes between Veeru and a local Horse cart driver Basanti (Hema Malini) and Jai develops strong feelings for Thakur’s widowed daughter-in-law Radha (Jaya Bhaduri). After a journey off many ups and downs Jai and Veeru manage to capture Gabbar but it costs them Jai’s life. The director had originally shot and ending with Gabbar being killed by Thakur but the released movie ended with the cops taking the injured bandit Gabbar to jail and he gets a severe punishment. The original end was censored as it was considered too gory for a family audience. Hence the last scene had to be reshot. The movie also faced troubles due to the political scenario in India.

The movie displays the journey of the two best friend criminals as friends, lovers and as good human beings. The movie fits into many genres like action, drama, comedy, romantic, and, many more. Sholay is a very simple concept but the movie is very well written, directed and edited. It won only one award for its editing and was considered a flop by critics. When the movie was released it was considered a commercial disaster had a very poor start, but word of mouth pushed everyone to watch it. The movie ran in the theatres over a 100 theatres for 25weeks or more. The film is characterised by altering sequences of drama, comedy and action. “Sholay, which ran for five consecutive years in Bombay and continues to be re-released to full-houses, is not only significant for its tremendous commercial success, but also for its mythical status in the Bombay industry and among audiences as a pinnacle of filmmaking.” (Ganti p. 161) Many more facts about the movie can be read on http://www.citehr.com/11624-trivia-sholay.html, a brilliant compilation of facts from various books by Vikram Singh.

If one looks at the production values and narratives of Sholay, they might appear to be nothing special. Yet, conceived in the spirit of creativity and at a moment of political closure they remain the bluepint for any subsequent cinema of desire. (Bollyworld: popular Indian cinema through a transnational lens, By Raminder Kaur, Ajay J. Sinha, Page 181)