Jai-Veeru and the Bandits In Sholay (1975)

Sholay's iconic opening fight scene is a tightly structured and electrifying spectacle that sets the tone for the rest of the film. Inspector Baldev Singh, played by Sanjeev Kumar, finds himself outnumbered and under attack when bandits descend upon the train he's travelling on; the scene becomes a thrilling showcase of action choreography and character dynamics. With the two handcuffed thieves, Jai and Veeru (played by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, respectively), offering their assistance, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle against the bandits. What follows is a mesmerising display of bravery and skill as Jai, with his calm and collected fighting style, deftly manoeuvres across the moving train, taking down adversaries with precise sniping and engaging in hand-to-hand combat with unwavering resolve. Meanwhile, Veeru brings a raw and explosive energy to the fight, delivering savage punches and overpowering opponents with his physical strength.

Sholay Train Scene:

According To Vulture, The opening fight scene is tightly structured, lasting under nine minutes. Inspector Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) is transporting two handcuffed thieves to a police station when their train gets attacked by bandits on horseback. The thieves, Jai (Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), offer to help, so Singh frees them and they spring into action. The ensuing battle sees Jai running across the top of a moving train, sniping bandits, then fighting them hand-to-hand when they make it onto the caboose. Bachchan and Dharmendra complement each other perfectly: Jai’s fighting style is calm, collected, nimble, while Veeru is more of a whizbang-smash type, dealing savage punches and strangling bad guys.

Om's Fight With Mukesh In Om Shanti Om (2007)
Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om delivers a gripping and climactic fight scene that encapsulates the film's blend of musical, revenge, and supernatural elements as the showdown unfolds between film star Om (played by Shah Rukh Khan) and producer Mukesh Mehra (Played by Arjun Rampal). The hand-to-hand combat is intense, filled with bloody punches and desperate manoeuvres, underscored by the soaring orchestral score. However, the scene takes a surprising turn when Om, poised to deliver the fatal blow, is stopped by Sandy (played by Deepika Padukone), revealing that the vengeful spirit of Shantipriya was the orchestrator of Mukesh's demise all along. This twist not only stunned audiences but also subverted traditional gender dynamics, showcasing Sandy/Shantipriya's agency and refusal to engage in violence.
Climax Fight Scene:

According to Vulture, In Mukesh and Om’s final showdown, the set catches fire and echoes their 1970s fight — a hand-to-hand flurry of bloody punches, bodies flung into corners, and desperation soaring with the orchestra. After a struggle, Om advances on Mukesh’s writhing body and aims to shoot him, but Sandy stops him. “His death is written,” she says, “but not at your hands.” She looks up, and a chandelier smashes to the ground, killing Mukesh. It’s revealed that Sandy was never in the room and that the vengeful ghost of Shantipriya ensured that he got his revenge.

Raju and Bheem Fight In RRR (2022)

Ram Charan and Jr NTR's RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli, revolutionises action cinema with its breathtaking spectacle and emotional depth. Drawing inspiration from films like Braveheart and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, RRR introduces a new level of maximalism to the genre, captivating Western audiences and leaving a lasting impact. The film's remarkable fight scenes showcase its unparalleled action sequences, including Charan taking on a raging crowd and battling British soldiers with flaming arrows and motorcycles. However, the emotional core of RRR lies in the poignant clash between Charan's Raju and NT Rama Rao Jr's Bheem, highlighting themes of friendship and betrayal amidst the colonial backdrop.

Tiger Fight Scene From RRR:

According to Vulture, The core of the movie is the sequence in which Charan’s Raju and Rao’s Bheem collide in the chaos of an attack on the governor’s mansion as two friends seemingly on opposite sides of the colonial divide. Their clash is (comparatively) on the restrained side, though it does still include Bheem grabbing a hose from a fountain and Raju hefting a lit torch so that each can pose dramatically with, and then attack using, their signature element. (Raju also punches a tiger.) But it’s the unapologetic emotions that underscore the fight, the tears and the anguished betrayal, that are ready to leave their mark on the future.

It seems these three iconic Bollywood fight scenes have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, distinguishing themselves among numerous action sequences that have enthralled viewers around the globe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 05, 2024 04:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).