Some movies are not just a story. They are legends. One such legendary Indian movie is Sholay. Released on August 15, 1975, this cult classic completes 50 years. One wonders if the newer generation, the Gen Z, has its views on watching and thinking about Sholay.
First time watch
Shivani Shah (25), a PR professional, remembers watching Sholay when she was around 14 or 15 years old. “It was one of those films that everyone in the family was quoting constantly and that sparked my curiosity. Honestly, I will hand on heart say that I was surprised at how gripping it was, despite being an “older film”. The action, emotion, and humour made it larger than life.”
She has seen it a few times since then. And it always draws her in. Of course, she calls it a great film to watch with others, and everyone claims one scene or dialogue as their favourite.
Vedant Lohar (27), an aspiring director and content creator, watched Sholay at his maternal grandparents’ place, as his grandfather was a fan of action films. "He insisted on watching it while I was visiting in the summer. I was like "Kyu Purani Boring Film Dikha Rahe Hai Yaar”. To my surprise, I enjoyed the film so much that I watched it again the next day. Before that, I did not know that a movie could make me feel so many emotions at once.”
For him, there were quite a few things that made him think of Sholay as a good movie, the fight from the banters between Basanti and Veeru, to the goosebumps when Gabbar cuts off Thakur's hands.
Banker Sakshi Verma (25) recalls seeing it on television with her family during her teenage years and has since rewatched it many times due to the frequent broadcasting. "The storyline was so interesting that it made the entire family sit together and enjoy the greatest classic of Indian cinema. Of course, the iconic dialogues and background score just never get old.”
Gen Z viewpoint
Vedant feels Sholay has and will always stand for Hindi cinema among the masses. “I have always felt that movies are a medium of entertainment, like how paintings are subjective to people, and the simplest painting may move you. Similarly, a movie should too and Sholay with its drama does an excellent job.” He calls Sholay the first stepping stone for Hindi massy movies.
Gen Z in Sakshi remembers Sholay as a movie that transports you into a different era of filmmaking and still has a lasting impact. "The intensity of each role and the camaraderie between each character make you rewatch it again. When I compare it to movies nowadays, there is a purpose and depth to the character that holds up to the simple storyline. It develops through long takes and lets the story breathe, which is usually not the case in the current era."
“Watching Sholay as a Gen Z viewer, it feels like a classic film. It broke so many norms that it’s hard to find the same uniqueness in a single film today,” reveals Shivani. “The blend of western and Indian storytelling, dramatic arcs, and memorable characters just isn’t the same. Movies that were built to last, movies that had impact. Today, movies are built faster, rely heavily on technology, and have very limited attention spans.”
She thinks Sholay becomes memorable since the characters are not just heroes or villains, but personalities. She feels it is different as it wasn't made to be viral, but to last, which it did.
50-year mark
Sakshi feels elated about the movie turning 50 years old this year. "I would cherish it again by rewatching it with my whole family, including my grandparents, who relate as well to the plot and enjoy it. My favourite character is Basanti. She brings life, colour and humour to the movie with her dialogue. She is blatantly herself and independent, driving a tanga, which is super rare for a woman in that era.”
She calls Basanti bold and confident, who doesn't wait for permission to take up space. She finds her bravery especially when she risks her life to save Veery. It shows her heart and strength. “The fact that Sholay is 50 years old and continues to resonate with every generation is iconic. It’s more than a film; it's an experience. I think my favourite character would have to be Veeru, and Dharmendra’s comic timing, along with his loyalty and a certain carefree-yet-committed vibe, makes him amazing. There is always something delightful about his scenes with Basanti,” mentions Shivani. She feels one finds so much depth in characters like Gabbar and Jai, but cannot help but love the writing.
Vedant is pleased that people still remember it, quote it, and cherish it even after 50 years. "It leaves a mark on you when you know that it was made 50 years ago, and still, it was so majestic and wonderful. Gabbar has to be my favourite character! His presence, performance and dialogues and its delivery was something I had never seen before I watched that film. It was the right amount of drama for me. Amjad Khan did not play the character; he lived it!"
A landmark film
Undoubtedly, Sholay is also for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Shivani reveals, "It transformed storytelling, character development, and genres in Indian cinema, combining action, drama, romance and comedy. I would tell Gen Z and Gen Alpha that Sholay is not just a 'must-see' movie; it is part of Indian culture. It’s where half of what our parents quote comes from.”
She feels the film made everyone realise the hero-villain notion in a new way and that emotional storytelling and cinematic brilliance can come together. She wants these generations to watch Sholay for its story and understand why it matters even after 50 years.
Vedant calls Sholay a landmark movie enjoyed by people of every generation. It has paved the way for amazing villains like Shakal and Mogambo. "It connected with the audience to a level in which watching that movie was not just a weekend plan but a celebration, and I love it when movies do that. For the Gen Alpha people, they will soon get bored with all the vanilla movies which are being made and will themselves resolve to watching Sholay as real entertainment.”
Sakshi calls Sholay a perfect blend of action, drama, comedy, romance and thriller. “Each emotion depicted through every character connects across generations without relying on trend or tech.”
While Sholay celebrates 50 years on August 15, we celebrate a cinematic classic that has changed Indian cinema forever.
