When ‘Sholay’ Met Its Demise: A Critical Look at ‘Aag’

Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Aag’ is a controversial remake of the iconic film ‘Sholay’, which departs from the original. Varma’s intent is not to recreate the original but to offer a reimagining. Certain sequences are presented as parodies. The ‘Kitne aadmi the’ scene is given a new context. Several iconic scenes are altered to align with the film’s focus on gangsterism. The setting is a series of indistinct locations, in contrast to the original. The death of the police inspector’s family is designed to shock. Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of the villain is marked by nuanced diabolism and dark humor. Key elements from the original, such as the severed hand and the post-Holi attack, are reinterpreted. The interactions between the characters lack depth. The friendship between Raj and Hero, the new Jai and Veeru, does not resonate. Varma’s reimagining offers a look at the original film. The iconic characters have been completely reimagined. The widow Radha is now Devi. Basanti becomes Ghungroo, an auto-rickshaw driver. The characters of Jai and Veeru are adapted for a new setting. The film adapts elements from ‘Sholay’.