Sholay: The Original Cut (Part II)

The most famous Sholay scene that most of you have not yet seen has to unanimously be: The killing of Gabbar Singh. For those who came in late, the censored Sholay saw Thakur pressing his nail sole shoes on Gabbar's arms even as the villain pleads for mercy. The police then inexplicably arrive. That is not how it ended though. In the uncut, 'ready for censor viewing' Sholay, Thakur gets his revenge and Gabbar Singh doesn't make it alive to the end credits.

Why change the ending? 

Sholay was incidentally set for release during the time of the emergency. In such volatile times the ruling government found it improper than an Indian citizen is depicted as defying the law. Therefore, Ramesh Sippy was forced to shoot the milder version with the law arriving to restrain Thakur. Now, how good is the original version? 

Original Cut 

Well, the police do not arrive at the scene at all. Thakur and Gabbar face each another at Gabbar's deserted den. What follows has its bits of credibility and incredulity - more of the latter. The scenes of Thakur somersaulting in the air to kick the hell out of Gabbar needed a sub plot - like he trained in the 36th Chamber of the Shaolin Temple for it or something. Also, Gabbar's death is a gruesome convenience rather than cinematic. The only saving grace is Veeru reappearing with a shawl, and Thakur breaking down in tears - thus depicting the hollow consequence of revenge. 

Sholay: The Original Cut (Part I)

How time flies! Or should I say - how it blazes! It has been almost four years since I had posted an article that all but betrayed my excitement on the existence of Sholay (Original Cut). To take the happy story forward Veersen Savant alias Spiral Smoke (Unless he has quit smoking) gifted me the VCD of the same rare version back then. Here is my verdict on the much heard original cut.   

 

 

The Ahmed-Gabbar scene

The version we see ends with dread. Ahmed is brought before Gabbar. The villain eyes an ant and crushes it, thus effectively conveying Ahmed's fate. We can see why the original cut was edited out, it feels out of sync and repeated.The scene is better left unsaid, there lies its cinematic subtlety. 

Original Cut

Post the ant killing, Gabbar mocks Ramgarh's fleeing citizens and demands that Ahmed rub his nose at my feet. At Ahmed's silent refusal and lunge towards Gabbar, the chief of bandits hits Ahmed and stops his men from shooting him. He hols an iron spear is one hand and in another Ahmed's hair and menacingly promises him of a torturous death. Cut to Ahmed's dead body arriving in Ramgarh, strung sideways on his horse.       

Sholay: The First Scene

The first scene of Sholay is again reminiscent of Sergio Leone's western trilogy, especially the use of the railroad in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966). Yet it would be unfair to say that it is an inspired scene. 

It is a short scene, not meant to be lingering, so we do not wonder who is waiting for whom - our queries are answered in a matter of seconds, at least a part of it. A policeman alights from the train and in an otherwise deserted station, he easily chances upon a man clearly waiting for him. 

The camera gives us a distant gaze, neither character is in clear view. There is the sound of the steam engine locomotive coming to a slowing halt, spewing black smoke and we hear the stationary breathlessness of the engine even as the policeman turns around, sees no one around and asks the waiting man, "Ah, Thakur Saab?" (Ah, Thakur Sir?) to which the waiting man replies politely, leading the way,"Aaeye Jailer Saab, aaeye." (This way, Jailer Sir, this way.). Midway, the Jailer gives his assent with an authoritative, "Hmm." A higher authority assenting to a servant's request, there's the class system for you.

Both men are seen walking outside the old derelict station and mounting two horses. We hear the train leave the station even as the men ride the horses with seasoned comfort. 

The RD Burman guitar theme matches the opening credits that says - SIPPY FILMS PRESENT. We fade out to the next scene where against the backdrop of a rocky terrain and two riders passing by the film title - SHOLAY shows up - first in English, and then simultaneously in Hindi and Urdu.