EntertainmentPosted at: Nov 7 2025 8:32PM


Sholay started as a two-line idea, probably a four-line idea: Ramesh Sippy

Kolkata, Nov 7 (UNI) Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy on Friday shared that Bollywood's cult action film Sholay "started as a two-line idea, probably a four-line idea," drawing a ripple of amusement from the audience.
Delivering the Satyajit Ray Memorial Lecture at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) here, Sippy detailed the painstaking process behind the film's productivity, including shooting in both 35mm and 70mm formats and the challenges of filming complex sequences, such as the Thakur family massacre and the lamp-lighting scene, which required multiple nights to capture at dusk.
The evergreen movie this year has completed half a century since its release.
"We shot the film in two versions. Every take had two versions until we came to the action scenes. The action scenes are difficult and, to some extent, also endangering. So when we went ahead with the shooting, we realised that the action scenes, once you had a good take, it wasn't worth risking, well, maybe not the lives, but some injury is always possible in action, and therefore better not."
He also highlighted the collaboration with writers Salim-Javed, whose creation of memorable characters such as Gabbar Singh fulfilled Sippy's vision of impulsive, unpredictable personas. Sharing anecdotes from casting, he noted how Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Hema Malini brought authenticity and nuance to their roles, elevating the film's impact.
Addressing contemporary cinema, Sippy spoke about the challenges of an era dominated by constant media exposure and encouraged filmmakers to find a balance between creative expression and commercial viability.
"Yesterday's audience will watch it at home on the television screen or OTT, but today's audiences who go to the theatre and buy expensive tickets, you have to cater to them as well. And I think we should follow our heart, follow your mind, keeping a balance as much as possible. I said this yesterday, and I'll say it again: If you can find that beautiful combination of commerce and art, then you have a good work in your hands," he said.
Sippy also lauded the achievements of women filmmakers and urged students to pursue their own unique vision while learning from cinematic history.
Closing his lecture, Sippy reflected on Sholay's lasting legacy, noting that while the film's impact cannot be recreated, filmmakers must continue to innovate. "You cannot recreate what has already become timeless. But we must strive to present new ventures to the audience." UNI NST SSP
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Tags: #Sholay started as a two-line idea# probably a four-line idea: Ramesh Sippy
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