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‘Sholay’ to be screened in 3D in Birmingham this March

Immersive film experience specialists, Bollywood Fever are presenting the timeless classic of Indian cinema, ‘Sholay’, in a newly converted 3D format at The ICC Birmingham on Saturday March 17th and Sunday March 18th 2018.

Following on from the conversion of this worldwide blockbuster into the digital 3D format, this will be the first time ‘Sholay’ in 3D will be screened in the UK on such a wide-reaching scale, targeting a new generation of filmgoers and Bollywood film fans. Supported by the BFI Audience Fund, using money from the National Lottery, to connect audiences across the UK with the best of world cinema, the event will see the venue transformed to create an immersive treat that captures the essence of Bollywood through live music, dance, food and entertainment.

Considered by many to be the greatest Bollywood film of all time, ‘Sholay’ topped the Indian box office for 19 years after its release in 1975. It went on to receive numerous ‘Best Film’ honours, topped the BFI’s “Top 10 Indian Films” in a 2002 poll and was named in the Top 10 list compiled by London’s Barbican Centre “What London Watches: Ten Films That Shook Our World” in 2017 – 42 years after its initial release.

Inspired by the spaghetti western genre in mainstream cinema, the film follows two criminals, ‘Jai’ and ‘Veeru’ (played by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra) hired by a retired police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) to capture the ruthless dacoit ‘Gabbar Singh’ (Amjad Khan). Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri play ‘Basanti’ and ‘Radha’ respectively – Veeru and Jai’s love interests. The film’s dialogues and characters became universally popular, forming archetypes that have since defined and inspired subsequent eras of Indian cinema; contributed to numerous cultural memes; and become part of India’s daily vernacular.

In 2014, over 300 people took part in the process to convert this iconic film into a 3D digital format, where every scene had to be individually restored, colour corrected and re-composited in 3D. The music has been re-composed and re-created by Raju-Singh.

Bollywood Fever says, “We are excited to bring Bollywood Fever to Birmingham for the first time and literally ‘take-over’ the ICC’s two largest spaces, making this an immersive experience for every fan of Indian cinema to enjoy.

“Securing the iconic Sholay and bringing it back to the big screen in the 3D digital format for the first time in years will make this an event to remember. We encourage all fans to come dressed as their favourite Bollywood character making this an occasion for everyone to have fun and enjoy. Together with live music, dance workshops plus a few other surprises to be announced, we have the ingredients for the perfect Bollywood Fever experience.”

This will be the first time Sholay in 3D will be screened in Birmingham, targeting generations that have not seen the magic of Sholay in theatres, those who have seen the film countless times, as well as world cinema aficionado’s.

Bollywood Fever, sponsored by Cellar Door, are proud to partner with the BFI and Lyca Radio to bring ‘Sholay’ in 3D to UK audiences. Bollywood Fever is also delighted to have Lyca Radio on board as a Media Partner and RealD as an official supplier.