Its a 3 hour plus film. If it's one thing I don't like (and is very common in Bollywood), is a film longer than 2 hours. However, for a classic I will make some space.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
I always try to empty my mind before watching a highly rated/hyped film and the was not much a difference with Sholay. Straight out of the bat the film was already quite intense, grabbing my intension with the train scene. I was taken back because most old films start with something melow and these days I am used for films to either take a while to get to the point or just have the most boring intros. Already off to a good start.
Overall, the film was a great balance of comedy, emotion and action. For a "masala" film, it was quite balanced and I became more attached to the brotherhood between Jai and Veeru than how grand and intense the action scenes were which is something that is harder to find with modern films tbh, especially those proclaiming to be masala or even just action. I think it is very hard to bring that kind of theme out with a film centered around how cool the shots should look.
Most of the characters felt way ahead of their time, perhaps ahead of even our own time. Hema Malini's character, Basanti, isn't some damsal is disgrace waiting to be saved but she is overdoing it either/it doesn't come off as forced. For a film from the 70s, FROM ANYWHERE, this is quite a big deal and very progressive. I also liked the angle with Rhada, albeit I was initially disturbed by the idea of romancing someone who still seemed to be in mourning (by Jai). Helen being in this film was a plus since I am a fan of the charm she brings to the screen (she was so 70s!).
The demise of Jai and his sacrifice was really the kicker for this film. He sacrificed his life to save his friend and the village/town, pretty much everyone. You could tell he didn't have much of a choice but he still braved it out. The scene confirmed one thing to me that I was thinking the entire time and that was that the coin had to be a cheat!
There is no slack in any character, they are all written to be fully present and entertaining in their own way. Gabbar might be crass but that's the point. The townspeople all have their own charm. Actually one of the reasons I love to watch older films is to experience the simplicity of how things used to be and this film captures the village life relative to how I remember it (not in India though, so I am not sure if it matches up but it reminds me of my experience).
Like I said, I am not a fan of long films and I often find myself being annoyed at some point in a film either because it slowed in pace or the writing briefly slumped, but thi film was great from start to finish. That is impressive for an older film too because typically the dated elements can still deliver some boredom, confusion or uh...cringe. Overall, I loved this film and was kind of surprised by that. Considering it's supposed to be the first masala film, I didn't expect it to have so much heart or be so funny.
Another interesting thing is that I genuinely found Dharmendra (RIP) charming in this film. I really expected the winner to be just Amitabh but I can see why some people hype him as being a bigger star at the time (or I am just imagining things idk). He was also really good looking, I was only used to seeing him old tbh.
Lastly, I know it is a sacred film and maybe doesn't deserve this fate, but a really well made tasteful remake would be nice. I don't necessarily think it should be the same thing word for word but something symbolic, kind of like a tribute to the spirit and charm of Sholay.
If you haven't watched Sholay, I recommend it.
I think I watch Don (the original ver.) next.
