Celebrating 50 Years of Sholay: A Cinematic Legacy

A Milestone in Indian Cinema

Ramesh Sippy's iconic film, Sholay, marks its 50th anniversary on August 15. This revenge saga, penned by the renowned duo Salim-Javed, features Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra as the daring duo Jai and Veeru. They are enlisted by retired police officer Baldev Singh, portrayed by Sanjeev Kumar, to apprehend the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan. Hema Malini shines as Basanti, the spirited tonga driver who captures Veeru's heart, while Jaya Bachchan enchants as Radha, Jai's love interest.

Regarded as one of the finest films in Indian cinema, Sholay's 50th anniversary is being celebrated with a new restoration by Sippy Films and the Film Heritage Foundation, which restores Ramesh Sippy's original ending. This restored version premiered at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna in June and is set to be showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

The Impact of Sholay

What did Sholay achieve during its time, and what does its success signify for its director? Writer-director Atul Sabharwal, known for works like Powder and Jubilee, delves into the film's mythos and enduring legacy in a thought-provoking essay.

Despite its acclaim, Sholay was not initially viewed as a successful film. In the 2002 Sight and Sound poll of the greatest films, Citizen Kane topped the list. That year marked my arrival in Mumbai, where I was largely unfamiliar with classic American, European, or Japanese cinema. However, even 27 years post-release, Sholay remained a pivotal topic of discussion, often referenced as a benchmark for success in the industry.

Conversations with Legends

During my time in the industry, Sholay frequently emerged in discussions, regardless of the film's genre or storyline. I recall a conversation with Rishi Kapoor while working on my film Aurangzeb. One evening in Nainital, he reminisced about his films and their successes, highlighting that only Sholay achieved an unprecedented five-year run at the Minerva theatre, a feat unmatched in the industry.

This extraordinary box office performance was so remarkable that the industry lacked a term to describe it, as it surpassed the traditional jubilee milestones.

Craft and Influence

While Citizen Kane influenced filmmakers globally, Sholay's director, Ramesh Sippy, also broke conventional filmmaking norms. Unlike the typical loud and extravagant Hindi films of the time, Sholay embraced restraint and minimalism in its score, performances, and cinematography. Film critic Anupama Chopra describes its narrative as 'an unhurried tale,' emphasizing the strong directorial presence.

Craft in filmmaking is often overlooked by audiences, yet it plays a crucial role in a film's success. The analogy drawn from Daniel W. Hillis's The Pattern on the Stone illustrates that while understanding a programming language is simple, writing it well requires finesse and style.

The Legacy of Sholay

Despite its monumental success, Sholay's legacy has been reduced to mere commercial terms like 'blockbuster' and 'money-spinner.' The film's true artisans, such as editor MS Shinde, faced financial struggles despite their contributions to its success. The industry's treatment of its behind-the-scenes talent often goes unrecognized.

As I navigated my own journey in the film industry, Anupama Chopra's book on Sholay inspired me to pursue a career in filmmaking. The book revealed the intricate details of the film's production, igniting my passion for the craft.

Understanding Success

Success can be subjective, and I categorize it into two types: one that liberates and one that enslaves. Citizen Kane's success liberated filmmakers, while Sholay's success created a formulaic approach that the industry has since followed. Ramesh Sippy's subsequent films mirrored Sholay's elements, reinforcing a template that many sought to replicate.

The industry often overlooks the importance of risk-taking and craftsmanship, opting instead for formulas that promise box office success. While many films have achieved commercial success since Sholay, few have left a lasting impact on audiences.

The Industry's Perspective

The industry's interpretation of box office success is often skewed. I recall a conversation with Ram Gopal Varma regarding the contrasting receptions of Gadar and Lagaan. While Gadar was celebrated, Lagaan was dismissed, highlighting the industry's preference for easily replicable successes over innovative storytelling.

Atul Sabharwal, the writer-director of the television series Powder and films like Aurangzeb, reflects on the enduring influence of Sholay and the lessons it imparts about the importance of vulnerability and creativity in filmmaking.