Film review: 'Sholay' 3D - The epic adventure is back, rush to the screens now!

Film: Sholay
Rating: *****
Directed: Ramesh Sippy
Starring: Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri and Amjad Khan

When Sholay first hit the screens in 1975, it was pegged as the greatest story ever told and the greatest star cast ever assembled. 39 years later, nothing has changed. A film, that’s quite easily the most influential movie-going experience of our times, does not need a review. So let’s just stick to an update only for the enjoyment of reliving the adventure.
 
The legendary story of Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) who hires two small-time crooks, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra) to fight the might of Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) is back – and this time, in 3D. For those who didn’t get the chance to watch this epic drama when it was first released in 70mm and stereophonic sound, now is the time. That’s because no amount of DVDs and Blu Rays can ever do justice to the magnificence and the opulence of Sholay on the big screen. Plus, the novelty of watching it in 3D brings a different flavour to all those unforgettable scenes, dialogues and characters that will be etched in our memories forever.

Be prepared for the ride of your lives – it’s time to rejoice the everlasting dosti between Jai and Veeru; the hysterical antics of Basanti (Hema Malini); the silent love of Radha (Jaya Bhaduri); the emotional resilience of Thakur and the awe-inspiring aura of Gabbar. Not to mention the varied other characters in the movie that became an integral part of film history – Sambha (Macmohan), Soorma Bhopali (Jagdeep), Jailor (Asrani), Kaaliya (Viju Khote) and many others.

The 3D conversion could’ve been more polished for a film of this stature. Still, the effect is spellbinding. The train sequence (still the best train sequence ever shot in Hindi cinema) is the highlight – new effects have been added to enhance the 3D element. With a length of over 3 hours, the 3D gets tiresome in parts but the sheer grandeur of the film keeps you going.  The songs and background score have been re-created by Raju Singh and that’s a huge plus in the new version. Without losing the essence of the original, Singh delivers a spectacular punch. Technically, Sholay 3D is par excellence – it’s great to see a crystal-clear, polished version of your favourite film in a new avatar.

Sholay is also a prominent film because of the people associated with it. Director Ramesh Sippy is remembered to date, for this offering, which remains unparalleled even in his career. Salim-Javed, the greatest writer duo India has known, consider it one of their finest works. RD Burman’s music, Dwarka Divecha’s cinematography, MS Shinde’s editing and Ram Yedekar’s production design continue to remain a class apart.

India’s epic adventure is back – rush to the screens now!

Watch the trailer: