Sholay set for first-ever release in Pakistani cinemas
Iconic cult film slated to hit the screens in both 2D and 3D formats on March 20
FACE-OFF?: Interestingly, Sholay’s release date is the same as that of the Pakistani crime-caper film Jalaibee.
KARACHI:
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nadeem Mandviwalla, owner and managing director of Mandviwalla Entertainment, shared why the film is being brought to Pakistani screens. “Sholay is such an iconic film, it is a classic. But many people in Pakistan have not seen the film in cinemas,” he said.
He added that since the movie has been re-mastered, the time is right to screen it in cinemas for Pakistani audiences. However, Mandviwalla noted that since the classic films that have been re-released in Pakistan have not generated business at the Pakistani box office, it remains to be seen whether Sholay can change that trend. Previously, movies such as, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Lion King and Titanic, have been re-mastered and re-released in 3D format in Pakistani cinemas.
Interestingly, Sholay’s release date is the same as that of the Pakistani crime-caper film Jalaibee, which has been directed by Yasir Jaswal. Mandviwalla said this was a strategic move on their part. “March 20 would be a long weekend due to the public holiday on March 23. Plus, the movie is releasing towards the business-end of the ICC Cricket World Cup, so only a few matches would be left,” he explained. “We will gain the day [in business] that we lose to a cricket match through the holiday.”
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay boasts a star cast featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan. The film was ranked first in the British Film Institute’s 2002 poll of ‘Top 10 Indian Films’ of all time, according to the institute’s website. It was also voted the ‘Best Film of 50 Years’ at the 50th Filmfare Awards, as stated on the website of the annual ceremony.
We're definitely excited to see one of our favourite movies being screened on March 20. However, till then, we would like to reminisce the film with our top five favourite quotes from the film!
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nadeem Mandviwalla, owner and managing director of Mandviwalla Entertainment, shared why the film is being brought to Pakistani screens. “Sholay is such an iconic film, it is a classic. But many people in Pakistan have not seen the film in cinemas,” he said.
He added that since the movie has been re-mastered, the time is right to screen it in cinemas for Pakistani audiences. However, Mandviwalla noted that since the classic films that have been re-released in Pakistan have not generated business at the Pakistani box office, it remains to be seen whether Sholay can change that trend. Previously, movies such as, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Lion King and Titanic, have been re-mastered and re-released in 3D format in Pakistani cinemas.
Interestingly, Sholay’s release date is the same as that of the Pakistani crime-caper film Jalaibee, which has been directed by Yasir Jaswal. Mandviwalla said this was a strategic move on their part. “March 20 would be a long weekend due to the public holiday on March 23. Plus, the movie is releasing towards the business-end of the ICC Cricket World Cup, so only a few matches would be left,” he explained. “We will gain the day [in business] that we lose to a cricket match through the holiday.”
Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay boasts a star cast featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan. The film was ranked first in the British Film Institute’s 2002 poll of ‘Top 10 Indian Films’ of all time, according to the institute’s website. It was also voted the ‘Best Film of 50 Years’ at the 50th Filmfare Awards, as stated on the website of the annual ceremony.
We're definitely excited to see one of our favourite movies being screened on March 20. However, till then, we would like to reminisce the film with our top five favourite quotes from the film!