Sholay has created a cult with a massive following for past 50 years. With the recent celebration of the film, the uncut version was premiered on June 27 on the large open-air screen at Piazza Maggiore in Italy`s Bologna to commemorate the film`s 50th anniversary. Now, in an exclusive conversation with mid-day, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy gets candid about Sholay and reveals whether the revised climax was needed after 50 years of the film`s release.
Ramesh Sippy on Sholay`s revised ending
When asked about what films sustains the longest in the industry with constantly changing formats of the cinema. Ramesh Sippy had just one word and that was `Sholay`, he said, `How could it be more than that?`
Sholay has been the cult film for avid movie mongers, when asked about whether it was necessary to release the uncut version of Sholay on the 50th year, Ramesh Sippy mentioned that it was only about the diversed perspective to the film, he said, “50 years it was fine. So nobody missed what they didn`t see. Now that they see it, I think the only difference is that Thakur gets his revenge, and he finishes off Gabbar, that`s all.”
With each scene in the film, Sholay is a collection of iconic frames, dialogues and noteworthy cinematic expressions. Ramesh Sippy further went on to share if he were to make a sequel, which iconic scenes from the films would be recreated, “Very difficult to choose, I`m afraid. Dharamji on the tanki for Hemaji or Amitji with Mausi. There are many such moments in the film. Yes, what people would not like to see is Amitji passing away. They were very hurt by that.”
Ramesh Sippy`s most cherished memories of Sholay
Sholay still leaves a strong mark on the viewers and even the budding filmmakers when it comes to understanding the nuanced process of not only bringing the icons together but also making a film that have everything in the right proportion. Ramesh Sippy was asked about what he cherishes the most about the film, he shared, “Everything about Sholay. Right from the beginning, I think from the lovely village we put up and the rocky terrain over there. The entire film was made within that one mile radius. So I think, beautiful memories and beautiful moments. It`s like it happened just yesterday.”
