KARACHI: Just when the audience awaited Basanti’s dance for Gabbar and his dacoits the screen went black and a few seconds later the soon audio followed, disrupting the movie’s build towards its iconic climax.
The premiere of the Bollywood classic Sholay held at Atrium Cinemas on Thursday had been going quite strong, much like Jai and Veeru’s bond in the film, until it abruptly stopped twice due to ‘technical difficulties’.
The problem persisted despite it being fixed twice. Director of Mandviwalla Entertainment, Aadil Mandviwalla later addressed the issue by saying, “Unfortunately due to some power-outage and technical issues the movie stopped with about 15 minutes remaining till its finish.” This incident can stain the reputation of the cinema and bear to be a problem for future show screenings at Atrium, however it did not deter Aadil Mandviwalla. He optimistically remarked, “Such issues tend to happen at all cinemas across Pakistan and even the world.”
According to Aadil, the movie projector despite being in use for several years is still in its ‘testing phase’ and it is difficult for cinema owners to account for such problems. “We have technicians with us who are trained from Kinoton and Barco. We stayed back till around 5 or 6 in the morning and sorted out the problem. Hopefully the remainder of the shows will not face such an issue,” he claimed.
The premiere was attended by the members of Pakistan media fraternity and the red carpet was an exciting affair with stalwarts of the past and some of the rising stars, sharing their excitement regarding the screening of Sholay in Pakistan. Renowned ad-filmmaker and music video director Saqib Malik was excited about the shows screening and excalimed, “Ever since I was born I have always been told how great the film Sholay and how it was the most ‘ultimate’ film ever made. And since I have never seen it on the big screen I am very excited about finally watching it cinemas and that too in 3D.”
He also shared his views on doing a remake of Sholay and discussed his cast-to-be. Saqib said, “First of all I would never re-make Sholay because Ram Gopal Varma (of Bollywood) already did it and he got a lot of stick for it. But if I were to, then for Jai’s role it would be none other than my brother Adnan Malik and for Veeru’s – I might just go with Fawad Khan.”
Actor Alyy Khan, who has starred in several Bollywood films and Pakistani TV serials revealed his fondness for the movie especially, Gabbar Singh. He said, “I’d like to play Gabbar, as he is not only a larger than life villain but also an iconic character. And there are very few villains like him.” Despite claiming to be an ardent fan, Alyy left the film halfway through as he, “wasn’t satisfied with the large jarring sounds.”
Reacting to a low turn-out at the premiere, Mandviwalla commented that the fact to hold it on a weekday could have been the reason behind it. But he still expects people to come and see this hit and get an opportunity to revisit the glory days of cinema.
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