We all know and many of us have loved the 1975 classic ‘Sholay’ but not all of us have had a chance to watch it on a big screen. The 2014 release, therefore, comes with a bonus, as it is represented in 2D and 3D formats. Jai, Veeru, Thakur and Gabbar Singh are now larger than life and popping off the screen giving new generations of film-goers to experience the magic of this move and fans a chance to relive their youth.

Seeing Jai and Veeru ride a scooter singing ‘Yeh Dosti’ or Helen’s rambunctious ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’, watching Dharmendra play the ‘soocide’ scene atop a water tank, feeling the menacing power of Amjad Khan as he laughs evilly in the ravines you are transported into Ramgarh village. You certainly get a kick out of repeated the lines along with the characters and hearing them say ‘kitne aadmi the’ or ‘Tumhara naam kya hai, Basanti?’.

Director Ramesh Sippy’s film Sholay, is still a wonderful example of filmmaking, ahead of the curve technically and a fabulous showcase for Salim-Javed’s writing. It’s a treat to watch the young Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra and notice the attention to detail that went into making Sholay: the costumes, continuity, sets and allegiance to the milieu. The action scenes are riveting even today.

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Of course at three hours and 18 minutes you do feel restlessness creeping in and not every scene blends seamlessly. You might also notice that the extras are generally poor performers, although each member of the secondary cast (those with dialogue) pitches in with a noteworthy performance.

The 3D works in gimmicky ways and adds a depth to the film that might have previously been absent. Like ‘Chashme Buddoor’ last year, ‘Sholay’ too has stood the test of time and is a must-watch on the big screen – in 2D or 3D.

(This film Sholay is not being rated as it is a re-release.)

TAKE A LOOK AT THE SPECIAL SCREENING OF SHOLAY: