Review of Sholay (1975) by Ranjit N — 14 Sep 2007
Sholay had all the elements of a Western - rugged countryside (the film was shot in the rocky landscape of Ramnagaram a small village about 30 miles from Bangalore), bandits on horseback, fierce gun fights etc. Sholay's phenomenal success can be attributed to perhaps the way it was able to blend the various items or 'masalas' required in a Hindi film in exactly the right doses. Practically every scene, dialogue and even a small character was a highlight. Be it Dhanno, the horse of the tangewali, Hema Malini, the Jailer (Asrani), Mausi (Leela Mishra) or Sambha (Mac Mohan).
Sholay was loud, garish, but it had something which touched everyone's heart. Shot in 70mm with stereophonic sound, Sholay was the ultimate big screen experience. It was India's first film in 70 mm with stereophonic sound. Mention must be made of Dwarka Diwecha's stunning camera-work and R.D. Burman's evocative background score, which help elevate the film even further.
This review of Sholay (1975) was written by Ranjit N on 14 Sep 2007.
Sholay has generally received very positive reviews.
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