Welcome, dear readers, to another captivating edition of our Sunday Morning Movie segment. Today, we turn our attention to the beloved Bollywood classic, Sholay.
Looking ahead, our feature for next week will be A Child’s Garden and the Serious Sea (1991):
Reviews of Sholay:
IndieWire remarks:
“Sholay” debuted in 1975 to a mix of reviews, some bordering on harsh criticism—one reviewer claimed it lacked “intelligence, art, and purpose.” The film, crafted by the iconic duo of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, contrasted sharply with their other big success that year, “Deewaar,” which received acclaim. Nonetheless, after an initially rocky box office experience, “Sholay” gained remarkable traction. Its dialogues became part of everyday conversation, R.D. Burman’s music filled the airwaves, and it carved a permanent place in cinematic history.
Letterboxd observes:
The action sequences are particularly impressive and well-crafted. A tense shootout at a bridge showcases meticulous editing and angle work, making the action easy to follow—an achievement in gunfight choreography. The film also boasts several daring horse stunts, some of which appear quite perilous. While the choreography in the musical segments may not be as grand as in later Bollywood films, it remains enjoyable and colorful. Moreover, the story flows smoothly with minimal interruptions from song breaks, although the romantic subplot between Basanti and Veeru feels somewhat lackluster due to Veeru’s aggressive pursuit in the relationship.
RogerEbert.com states:
“Sholay” is a grand spectacle, a film that, while it may become more discussed than watched over time, achieved such status through its undeniable brilliance. It weaves together themes of heroism, villainy, redemption, and true love, featuring a constellation of stars. Here’s to its 40th anniversary.
My perspective:
This film is undoubtedly entertaining, brimming with humor, adventure, and just the right amount of romance. It’s vibrant and visually engaging. However, the singing elements do not resonate with me positively; they tend to detract from the overall experience. While I appreciate viewing it, I would rate it a single star, and I don’t foresee a revisit in the future.
Plot Summary (Spoilers Ahead!):
Recently released from prison, criminals Jai and Veeru are offered a lucrative opportunity by a former police inspector to capture the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh for a bounty of 20,000 rupees. Facing limited options, they accept the assignment.
The duo arrives in the inspector’s village, Ramgarh, where they encounter two lovely women, sparking romantic interests. After thwarting some of Gabbar’s henchmen, they find themselves up against the bandit himself, managing to drive him away. Although the inspector fails to assist them, they discover that Gabbar has brutally executed the inspector’s family, prompting them to continue the chase, fueled by anger rather than reward.
As events unfold, they face numerous misadventures, with their love interests captured and later rescued, culminating in a climactic shootout. In a crucial moment, Veeru leaves to fetch more ammunition, leaving Jai to heroically confront the attackers, ultimately sustaining a fatal injury. Veeru returns just in time to share a poignant farewell.
Driven by vengeance, Veeru storms Gabbar’s camp and kills many of his men. The inspector arrives and severely wounds Gabbar, contemplating his death. However, police intervention persuades him to spare the bandit’s life. After a somber farewell at Jai’s funeral, Veeru prepares to leave the village, only to find his romantic interest waiting for him at the train station.
Bonus:
Why Don’t Movies Feel “Real” Anymore? A comprehensive investigation into the principles of cinematic immersion, exploring notions of perceptual realism, indexicality, haptic visuality, and cinematic qualia.
