New Delhi: The one aspect of films which is often criticized is that they are way too ancient to hold any contemporary significance for cine-goers. While most of the films that were shot decades ago are dated, there is one iconic film which has quite successfully managed to exist beyond the period in which it was shot and still not seem alien to contemporary viewers.
The fact that it has been viewed, talked about, adapted, celebrated and even parodied multiple times, 'Sholay' explains the obvious - it is one of the best films ever made. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, ‘Sholay’, which hit the screens for the first time in 1975, celebrates 40 years on August 15.
While we have heard several stars appreciate its good vs evil story, Abhishek Bachchan, who was recently in Delhi to promote his upcoming film 'All Is Well', spoke to us about its importance.
“I don’t exactly remember the film’s impact. But yes, I went to the premiere of the ‘Sholay’ when I was in my mother’s stomach," he said.
‘Sholay’ that helped pioneer some of the best cinematic methods that are now commonplace, also gave Bollywood some of the most loved and hated characters – Jai, Veeru, Basanti, Gabbar. Such has been the impact of ‘Sholay’ that several films made decades later cashed in on its popularity by using its references. And the creation of a mobile game on the film’s 30th anniversary goes on to explain its iconic stature.
"But what I really love about ‘Sholay’ is that it is a very contemporary film. It is ageless, it is as close as we can get to the perfect potboiler, masala film we have ever made. Even if you see today it is very believable. In fact just the other day I was discussing with dad about the film’s completion of 40 years. My entire childhood is about memories of Salim, Javed and Ramesh uncle and my parents – they all have extremely wonderful stories to say. Since they shot the film over 3 years, there are wonderful anecdotes and great piece of nostalgia attached to the film."
Speaking about the associations that the film resulted in, he said, "Rohan, Ramesh’s son went school with me and we have made films together as well. I’m very happy to say that we are celebrating 40 years of a film which today’s youth can connect to, that’s something we would always aspire for. It would be great to do a film which is as great as ‘Sholay’, and to be asked the same question when it completes 40 years."
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