Sholay, the iconic Bollywood film that transformed the industry, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, leaving an indelible mark on cinema and popular culture.
Sholay, a film that forever changed the Bollywood landscape, turned 50 this year. The unforgettable characters—Jai, Veeru, Thakur, Basanti, and the notorious Gabbar Singh—have become ingrained in the cultural psyche. The film marked a significant shift in Indian cinema, creating a clear divide between the eras of pre-Sholay and post-Sholay. Before its release, popular film music was primarily limited to individual songs. However, Sholay revolutionized this by releasing not only the songs but the entire film’s soundtrack on vinyl records and cassettes, leading to chart-topping hits and iconic dialogues that remain etched in our memories.
For those fortunate enough to have experienced Sholay in theaters back in 1975, it was not just a movie; it was an unforgettable experience. Many of us were too young to appreciate the Western influences that inspired the film, such as Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West and Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. Yet, the magic of Sholay transcends these influences. Director Ramesh Sippy crafted a unique narrative that stands as a remarkable achievement in filmmaking.
Everyone who grew up in the 1970s has a personal Sholay memory. For instance, I recall my once-fearless cousin developing nightmares about Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan. I, on the other hand, found myself untroubled, allowing me to tease her with the dismissive remark, “It’s just a movie, silly!” But is it merely a movie? No, it is magic; it is legend. The essence of Sholay’s magic is difficult to articulate, yet it is palpable. Upon re-watching the film recently, I was struck by the brilliance of its editing—each scene transitions seamlessly at just the right moment. The romance avoids becoming overly sentimental, the comedy remains fresh and engaging, and the violence is suggested rather than explicit.
My renewed interest in dance and the classical art of Nritya and Abhinaya led me to connect Sholay with the concept of navarasa, or the nine primary emotions in Indian classical dance. Unsurprisingly, Sholay encapsulates all nine. The film’s central revenge narrative is primarily driven by raudra ras (fury), as Thakur, portrayed by Sanjeev Kumar, grapples with his simmering rage against Gabbar Singh, who embodies vibhatsa (disgust). Gabbar’s unkempt appearance and menacing demeanor evoke fear and revulsion, particularly during the harrowing massacre of Thakur’s family, which instills terror in the audience. His chilling laughter and infamous line, “yeh haath hamein de de Thakur,” resonate long after the film ends.
The film also evokes adbhut (wonder) when the armless Thakur enlists the help of two outlaws to confront the seemingly invincible Gabbar. This leads to veer ras (heroism) as the daring duo, Jai, played by Amitabh Bachchan, and Veeru, portrayed by Dharmendra, accept the challenge armed only with their courage and cunning.
Sholay would have been a heavy watch without the infusion of shringar (love and beauty) brought to life by the vivacious Basanti, played by Hema Malini, and Veeru’s relentless pursuit of her affections. Veeru’s wooing is humorously supported by Jai, who persuades Basanti’s incredulous mausi to consider his friend as a suitor. The impeccable comic timing of Amitabh and Dharmendra, alongside memorable performances by Asrani as the jailer and Jagdeep as Soorma Bhopali, adds layers of hasya ras (laughter) to the narrative.
The film also skillfully incorporates shant and karun ras (peace and compassion), elevating it beyond a typical revenge tale. The unspoken tenderness between Jai and Radha, played by Jaya Bhaduri, is woven into the fabric of the story. A poignant moment occurs when Radha lights lanterns as dusk falls, while Jai plays the harmonica, creating an atmosphere of wistful affection. The tragic irony of Jai’s death just as Radha begins to dream again adds depth to the narrative.
While the navarasas offer a framework for understanding Sholay’s magic, they do not fully capture its essence. The film’s extraordinary blend of talent, storytelling, and music creates an experience that is truly magical. So, let’s embrace that magic and watch Sholay again. For those who have only heard about it from their parents, experiencing it together can illuminate the cherished memories that the film evokes.
Source: Original article