Sholay: Appreciating an Epic Masala | Video Essay 

wearing white cloths (saree) is not only a cinematic choice but it is also a tradition in india that widows wears white cloths.

It's been like 3 decades since I've watched Sholay and all I can remember is "YEH HATH HUMKO DEDE THAKURRRRRR" its iconic I mean its a meme now like how relevant is that LOL

When an Indian film student starts losing an argument: Sholay Lagaan Three Idiots

So I'm sat here thinking "hey Accented Cinema is really good"... and then I see this video you are now Legendary status in my book

My dad watched Sholay 3 times in a single day in a movie theatre. He was never terrified of anything on screen like Gabbar Singh. He used to go bonkers whenever the movie used to come on tv. Easily one of his favourite movies. ❤️

My main problem with Hollywood (and mainstream Western media) is how they can be boring, playing so safe for covering their big budget using things like self-inserts (there is nothing wrong with this, actually, but it can be very frustrating, specially with a bad execution). The fact that this channel often discuss more unique aspects of cinema really interests me, and remember how interesting analysing cinema can be. Please continue with this good work!

Sholay will always be the KING OF REFERENCES of Hindi Cinema. The perfect bromance, masala, best catch-phrases, comedy, great acting, songs and one-liners. Definitely a legendary movie. This made the actors the biggest superstars.

First off, i was WAITING for someome to make an analysis of this brilliant film. But while sholay succeeds in "masala" many others that came after it did not. You see, while sholay has that masala feel, it is completely self aware and it is done in a sincere way. You never feel like the movie is forcing you to feel something you are obviously not feeling. For example: dabangg, is a film that follows the whole "masala" thing but fails miserably because it is very much clear that it is not done for either immersiveness, or entertainment. It is done purely as a way to cash grab on that whole spectacle. Many Bollywood blockbuster masala films are empty, shallow and completely devoid of any real redemption while sholay is a film that somehow works because the people who made it actually cared about the project. It was a revolutionary film made for people who wanted something grandiose. It was panned by critics as "vulgar amd violent" yet it is a cult classic. Sholay is a exploitation film done right.

Good information about this movie- The scene at 1:00 when Jai is playing harmonica and the lady is turning off the lamps was shot in almost 35 days to ensure best natural lightning and facial expressions. That's how much the director cared for perfection.

Sholay looks very good. Thanks for the analysis and recommendation.

You may like the following: *1. Tumbbad* (5 years in production) *2. The apu trilogy* *3. Jallikattu.* *4. Awaara.* *5. Like stars on earth.* If you liked anyone, a little shout-out is enough.🙏🏻

Thank you for covering an Indian film! My film studies class in college never covered a single one, just German, Japanese, and Canadian.

Holy shit. Didn't expect you to cover a Hindi movie. Thank you.

watch the lunch box, watched it twice. Irfan Khan performance was so good.

You have to understand post independence India to understand and appreciate Masala movies. Even today, watching a movie in India is not a casual thing to do in major families. It is an event, a great deal in it's own because of the economy. I remember getting my entire family dressing up to watch a movie while in the same theater, rich folks use to arrive in normal home clothes. Watching a movie isn't just religious, it in it's very core is a festival in its own. The reason like I said, is the Indian economy and hence, movies have to cater to everyone. They have romantic scenes for the young, action for the kids, morality for the old, and there you have it, a festival in its own. Do I think that masala culture has ruined indian cinema? Yes. Everything has it's expiration date, the trope has been exploited beyond the upper limit and thankfully, people are changing. Now commerical cinema has good and gripping storylines while still trying to cater to the masses, like Bahubali and KGF.

Really wish this movie was on streaming platforms in the US. Watched this movie when I was 5 and have really fond memories of it.

Thank you for covering such a wide range of films. One day, when you are a great director, I will buy the Blu-rays of all your movies.

I'm so proud as an Asian and also and Indian seeing a Chinese loving a Bollywood classic

My grandfather would always stick to the tv whenever this movie was being shown on television even though he had seen it countless times already.

Finally, an Indian movie. That too quintessential one.

My family have watched this movie literally uncountable times And never gets bored of it, all of us remember most lines of the movie, Especially ghabar Singh "kitne admi the" 🤣 Thank you for covering it!

Indian cinema is so rich in colour, everything is so beautiful to look at. I HAVE to get into this now. And knowing I have different regions with different film cultures to choose from- Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, etc.- makes it that much more exciting!!

This was highly unexpected but I'm glad you covered a classic Bollywood movie in one of your videos

Thanks. Good job not revealing any major spoilers and still getting the point across.

Good Job. SHOLAY is a Classic good movie. I am from India (btw)

This is what film criticism SHOULD DO! Teach the viewer not just about the received opinion of the critic/theorist, but also teach about HOW to speak about a film, and how to think about film itself. You've helped me to think about the relation between film and audience, and I am very grateful. This is one of the best film channels on RU-vid.

Really appreciate your view of Masala films, while there are lots of terrible movies out there here, a lot of the foreign audience especially in the West just do not get it, and reduce them to mere song and dance. You should definitely check out content in other Indian languages such as Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil etc as they bring their own cultural sensibilities and nuances which are different from Hindi (Bollywood) movies, and in some respects are bit more regular in bringing out quality content.

Fascinating. I have never been into Bollywood, but you got me really interested in this movie.

"ket na adme ta?" Sholay is the citzen kane of bollywood films, it has define so many tends, tropes and cliches of indian cinema. One think about sholay i love the sound design of the film, It very well done and makes it stand out even more. if you wanna get into bollywood some more you should look into, Rajinikanth, A man that the entire industry respects and basically perfected the bold and bravo style of the bollywood hero. I am also a massive fanboy of his movies.

My favorite childhood films are Ek Aur Ek Gyara, Munna Bhai MBBS, Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi, Jajantaram Mamantaram, Koi Mil Gaya, and Rishtey. As a Pakistani, I'll admit Bollywood really impacted much of my childhood and I wish a lot of us South Asians would recognize our shared culture.

Oh yes Basanti is definitely a chatterbox and best dialogue is by dharamji "tumhaara naam kya hai Basanti?"...😂😂😂😂.

Thank you for covering this man The masala genre much like Hong Kong action movies is slowly dying and being replaced by westernised movie making

Sholay broke all records for continuous showings in numerous theatres across the country and ran for more than five years precisely 286 consecutive weeks.

Almost every person from this clustertruck of a nation, 1.2 billion people - has either watched Sholay or knows all about it. That is, as you rightly describe, pretty epic. Also. RU-vid gods please let this channel grow.

SHOLAY is literally the 'BIG DADDY' of Indian Cinema. 🔥

Fun Fact: Sholay was a widely panned movie when it was first released in 1975 in India. The critics weren't too happy with the story (they deemed it to be a cheap copy of Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns) and the violence was abhorred. My parents still tell me that they would hear the audio cassettes of the movie as watching Sholay was out-of-bounds for the kids. It was only through word-of-mouth that the movie picked up some pace at the ticket counters, and the audience absolutely adored it! It was only decades later when the same critics who had scrutinized it with the choicest words before, now realized their mistake and declared it to be a masterpiece. Since its release, it has become a part of the Indian culture. The dialogues have become so iconic, that they are now a part of everyday vocabulary.

Sholay is the Magnificent Seven (Kurosawa's seven samurai) story retold with characters from Once upon a time in West. Derivative but genius in its own way.

I love it that Tumbbad is being mentioned in several comments. It is one of the best movies I've watched and regretted not seeing it in theater for the full experience.

Just found your channel bro, I will sadly admit that I didn't know that much about Asian cinema (aside from Bruce Lee) Not only have you opened my eyes to Asian cinema, now you've peaked my interest in Indian cinema too, You've earned a subscriber

finding this channel is like finding gem. i'm happy to have found your channel. i keep on watching "japanese horror videos" on your channel and it's great!

Wait guys! I have something important to say! Listen! *Cigarette smoking is injurious to health*

You got me with the sound of Henry Cavill reloading his fists

Sholay was & always be peak of Masala films, I'm so grateful to you for making this video and bringing this gem in front of wider audience! Also, Masala films doesn't mean Bollywood, there are many great films of various genres in this industry, here are some other classic films of bollywood which you should definitely watch, Anand Mother India Dilwale dulhania le jayenge - DDLJ Satya Lagaan Hera Pheri Omkara Munna bhai M.B.B.S Gangs of Wasseypur 1-2 Bajrangi Bhaijaan Dangal Tamasha Piku

Sholay is truly a piece of art, it's an emotion, remember watching it in 3D back in 2013 with my mom, every one was enjoying in cinema hall even after 38 years... The song "holi ke din" is so popular that it is like anthem for Indian festival Holi, playing in loop at every nook and corner of the country...the movie is highly recommended

i am 34 years old now, and i have seen countless Hindi movies since childhood...but Sholay still remains the most entertaining and a complete movie

man the track Mehbooba Mehbooba during the party scene is ultimate FIRE. Easily one of the top tracks in the entire movie history

Hema Malini looked so gorgeous in this film! Definitely one of my favorites. Bollywood films reference or pay homage to this movie to this day.

I didn't thought you will cover an Indian movie. But I am thankful. Also its not shameful to not know about Indian movies.

Came here after watching your video about Indian Cinema. Finally found someone like me who respects and understands the Greatness of Indian Cinema as much as Hollywood. I watched some other videos also, and your content is amazing. You talk about WORLD CINEMA (Chinese, Japanese, Indian etc.), not just Hollywood. You've got yourself a new Subscriber. I recommend you to watch THE APU TRILOGY, if you're into B&W movies of '50s. I love Satyajit Ray and his Cinema. You'll appreciate his BEAUTIFUL Writing, Directing and everything.

Woah! i never expected this from you. 😊 What are your thoughts on Satyajit Ray and his Apu trilogy?

Last time tengok Sholay maser sekolah menengah 😁 Thanks for making me feel super old @Accented Cinema lol 😂. Good job on this video by the way 👍

Wonderful job showcasing the film without ANY spoilers. Thank you for covering such a classic :)

This is just a classic, the epic masterpiece of this Indian Cinema. Me and my Grandpa always watch it whenever it comes on tv and don’t get up until it’s finished.

Oh wow. Honestly didn't expected this. Thanks 👍

It's cinematography was 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

Wow! I'm so surprised your channel hasn't reached the heights of other film Analysis channels. Love your work! So happy to have found these videos. Keep up the hard work 💪

I would mention one thing that the widow shown just doesn't wear white dress throughout for the movie, its an actual tradition representing as you mentioned the sorrow. The point is, its not just for the movie.

Did you upload scenes from a Blu Ray and added your own colour grading? I dont remember the colours pop in Sholay!

First movie pre-1990s that my parents made me watch when I was 14; I’ve been a fan of older films since watching this masterpiece.

So glad you took the time to cover this movie. Thank you. Sholay is after all, one of the greatest Bollywood movies of all time.

I’m really glad I subscribed to you! Your video essays are a huge cut above the rest in terms of research and analysis. Your points are well thought out, and it’s clear that you are very well educated in film criticism. Chinese people usually get a bad rap in America for the arts, and after living in China for a year myself I didn’t see a lot of original homegrown Chinese films. You however are a case in point that race has zero bearing on good artistic ability. Good job sir, and keep it up! (Also, sorry if I’m wrong and you’re not Chinese lol)

Great essay as always. I hadn’t heard of this one before - I’ll definitely check it out!!

Another brilliant and insightful video. Thank you.

Thanks again, I love to see what the world consumes and proudces.

I though when I first sub you had only 10k now its over 45k, good to see the growth. some of your clips are worth rewatching, good to find another such channel. hope you improve even more

Dread it, Run from it, Gabbar Singh still arrives.. They really made him epic villian...

¡Thanks for another great video!

I never thought someone would make me appreciate Sholay. But here I am. And I loved the commentary. I always thought Sholay was overrated because of it's unrelatable humour and overexagerated character style. It is still considered one of the best OG movies to ever be created. And now I understand. I understand why that is. Why it is still a speacial movie and experience to my parents and my grandparents. Why they still love it and enjoy it even they have watched this movie literallymore than 100 times. And thank you for making me realise that.

Was lucky enough to see Sholay in post-production 3D in India. Magical experience. Crowd knew the dialogues by heart, and the bullets whipped at me.

You should watch south Indian and North East Indian movies

That was unexpected but, awesome video man👍🏻

I don't remember Sholay being this colorful. Was there a remaster?

I really appreciate your effort of deep diving into Indian movies. Keep it up and lots of love.

Can you looked at A Silence Voice. It is an Japanese style animated movie released on 2016. I thought this channel would give it a try since it looks at all kind of unconventional stuff.

I can remember the first time watching this and crying at Amitab's death... Though I didn't understand a word they said.

I saw 'Sholay' many years ago. I remember my father being such a great fan of the movie and 'masala', Bollywood films in general. I must admit, I grew tired of the genre! But, I have seen this movie recently after many years, and appreciate many aspects of the film, in particular the aspects addressed in the video! The movie is over the top, grandiose, dramatic, visual, which is typical of Bollywood films, but it is also the genre's finest. I also love movies, for the experience and the journey it takes you on! The video was brilliant and so was your narrative!

Great video! BTW just want to let you know that this video didn't up in my "from your subscriptions " video list, nor did it show up in my "Notifications" tab. RU-vid is bugged, and it may be affecting your view count.

good to see that Accented cinema channel covers Indian movie topic ....i hope you will cover more Indian masterpiece movies(non masala) especially rejional cinema....😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Sholay also had one of the most popular dialogues in Indian cinema, people would just buy audio cassettes to listen to the dialogues.

All the characters are epic and dialogues of this movies are still popular in India till date!!! I'm glad you recommended it, it's my father's favourite movie and every time its on television, he will watch!!!

great essay as usual.

mad props for you on trying to explore cinemas that aren't familiar to you

You're absolutely right about Sholey... I'm awestruck.

Great video as always! I noticed there are like 3 shots of explotions where something flies right at the camera, like some sort of 3D gimmick, but regardless of why, I wanna know HOW they pulled those off cause they look more realistic than say, Final Destination in 3D.

M ur early subscriber n it's first time ur doing video on Bollywood movie thanks this movie is really worth it

Excellent video essay.

bruh i'm so happy didn't expect u to cover a Bollywood moviee

your videos are awesome! just donated on patreon!

I like the conclusion of the essay! I am thinking something similar about Tokusatsu film. There are weird effects both post and practical that require the imagination of the audience to compensate the gap. Which I think brings intimacy and participation!

You should watch South Indian movies: I recommend Nayagan, Thalapathi, Hey Ram, and Super Deluxe.

This movie looks AMAZING

Indian here, never heard the term "curry western" before lol what is that? Also the main tall guy is Amitabh Bachchan, very famous legend, some of you might've heard of... Also if you're interested in exploring more iconic Bollywood movies I can suggest some! Watch : 3 Idiots, Padmaavat, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (this one is kinda similar to some western movies but it still stands out and is amazing so I was very curious about a foreigner's thoughts on it), Lagaan, Rand De Basanti and P.K. I can suggest more if anyone is really interested!

Damn man seriously I never imagined that you would cover sholay. That is a great observation man.😁✌ I could imagine doing a new film from Indian Film Industry. But sholay I never imagined.

Man, I told myself you were gonna make a Bollywood video someday. Didn’t realise you’d do it as fast as I thought you would.

I am not from India but I am a big fan of cinema movies not only Bollywood also Tollywood Kollywood Mollywood and Bengalí movies. I spend all my life seeing different kind of Indian movies horror,romance,comedy ,90 films,etc. And I can told you India has a diversity of genre and color that I think we need to appreciate. Now Bollywood lost a lot of things but South Indian movies are gaining the recognization that I had been always dreaming. If you want to see some Indian movies or recommendation ask me.

This. If the entire archive of Bollywood somehow goes up in flames and ONLY this movie is left, one can study it and revive Bollywood all over again. It's the best piece of cinema that has ever been created in our country. EVER. Nothing tops this in my opinion.

Nice take 👍 love your analysis

Is has been years last i saw it. Thankes for the reminder.

great work

Indian cinema is vast. There are many languages in different film industries in india. You should cover them. There are many gems in indian regional cinema.