Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is a Bollywood action drama released on August 31, 2007. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, the movie was intended to be a modern remake of the 1975 classic Sholay. However, upon release, it was widely criticized and is considered one of Bollywood’s biggest failures.
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Mohanlal, Sushmita Sen, and Prashant Raj, the film attempted to recreate the magic of Sholay but ended up disappointing both critics and audiences. This review analyzes the movie’s highlights, flaws, and its overall impact on Indian cinema.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Heero (Ajay Devgn), a small-time gangster, and Raj (Prashant Raj), who are assigned by a retired police officer Narsimha (Mohanlal) to take down the ruthless criminal Babban Singh (Amitabh Bachchan). Babban Singh is a sadistic villain who has terrorized the town and left Narsimha with a deep grudge.
As Heero and Raj set out on their mission, they encounter a mix of betrayal, action sequences, and emotional conflicts. Despite its grand ambitions, the film fails to deliver the depth and intensity of the original Sholay and ends up feeling uninspired.
What’s Good?
1. Amitabh Bachchan’s Performance
- Bachchan as Babban Singh is the most intriguing part of the film. His menacing voice and eerie mannerisms create an intimidating screen presence.
2. Cinematography and Action Sequences
- The film does have a few well-shot action sequences that show RGV’s expertise in stylized cinematography.
- Some scenes are visually striking, but they don’t contribute much to the storytelling.
3. Background Score
- The background music attempts to create an intense atmosphere, though it doesn’t make up for the weak narrative.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Amitabh Bachchan’s transformation into Babban Singh is unique, even if the character lacks depth.
- Decent action sequences and visual appeal.
Weaknesses:
- Weak storytelling and poor dialogues that fail to evoke any emotions.
- Forced performances from the supporting cast.
- Miscasting of some actors in key roles.
- Unnecessary modern twists that fail to recreate the original’s impact.
Target Audience
This movie may appeal to:
- Die-hard Amitabh Bachchan fans who want to see his performance as a villain.
- Curious movie watchers who want to see how Sholay was reimagined.
- Bollywood fans interested in studying failed remakes.
Box Office Details
| Factor | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹30 crore |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹10 crore |
| India First-Day Collection | ₹2 crore |
| India First-Weekend Collection | ₹4 crore |
| Overseas First-Weekend Collection | ₹1.5 crore |
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
| Day | India (INR Crore) | Overseas (INR Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 2.00 | 0.50 |
| Day 2 | 1.50 | 0.40 |
| Day 3 | 1.20 | 0.30 |
| Day 4 | 0.80 | 0.20 |
| Day 5 | 0.50 | 0.10 |
The film was a box office disaster, failing to recover its budget and receiving widespread negative reviews.
Recommendation
Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is an example of how a remake can go wrong. With weak writing, poor performances, and an uninspired execution, it fails to live up to its legendary predecessor. Unless you are watching it out of curiosity, this movie is best avoided.
