Sholay Remake

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Posted: 20 years ago

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By now, we're all aware of Ram Gopal Varma's grandiose plans to remake Ramesh Sippy's Sholay, the king among Indian blockbusters.

Here's a quick look at the new actors to step into the shoes of the legendary characters.

Veeru: From Dharmendra to Abhishek Bachchan

This is a queer decision, since most people would have expected Little B to step into Amitabh Bachchan's shoes and essay the 'Jai' role, but Ramu believes in going against the grain.

Verdict: Abhishek does have the requisite comic timing, but it seems unlikely that he match Dharam paaji in terms of mass appeal, warmth or likeability. The actor might just do a good job, but will audiences accept him in anything other than his father's role?

Jai: From Amitabh Bachchan to Mohit Ahlawat

If the Veeru choice made you balk, here's something far more disastrous to chew on. Amitabh Bachchan's most successful role handed to an industry newcomer with little to boast of besides his biceps.

Verdict: Ram Gopal Varma certainly believes in Mohit, the boy from James who will also star in King, RGV's Don remake. Jai requires perfect timing, a mellow sophistication, and tons of coolth.

Frankly, we have our doubts about Mohit. With due respect to Ramu, the Bachchan he ain't.

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Gabbar Singh: From Amjad Khan to Amitabh Bachchan
Whoa. This is the Hindi equivalent of Sean Connery being roped in to play villain in the next Bond film. It's just not right, no matter how confident the veteran feels.
Verdict: Unmitigated disaster. Sippy's Gabbar was a newcomer, a fresh bad guy playing a dacoit the kinds we'd never imagined before. It was groundbreaking, and Amjad's unfamiliarity was key.
With Bachchan plastered on everything from chocolate endorsements to a film a month to a very hyped gameshow, it's hard to imagine how he'll provide the unexpected to Indian cinema's most quoted character.

Thakur Baldev Singh: From Sanjeev Kumar to Mohanlal
Hang on, this pick actually makes sense. Replacing one of the country's finest actors with the man heralded as the best we have today is a no-brainer, and Mohanlal's limited exposure in Hindi cinema helps his cause.
Verdict: The limbless Thakur is Sholay's pivotal character, the classic 'boss-man' from Westerns, who commissions two heroes to fight a villain, against whom he has a very personal agenda. Mohanlal, a superstar in his own right, ought to be able to pull off the super-demanding role.

https://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/10sld1.htm

https://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/10sld2.htm

https://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/10sld3.htm

https://specials.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/10sld4.htm

Edited by Devendra - 20 years ago