Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; January 9, 2014)

Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik is planning the prequel of Sholay. The script is based on a book written by Shantanu Dhar of the same name. Dhar has previously written the book, The Company Red.

Kaushik says, “The book narrates how a policeman, Baldev, becomes Thakur Baldev Singh. It explains why he became a cop to save his village from the dacoit Gabbar.” Though the focus is on Thakur Baldev Singh, Kaushik’s film will also have the characters of Jai and Veeru (which were played by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendera). Kaushik adds, “Jai is an unemployed youth who ends up in jail where he meets Veeru.”

While Dhar informs, “The character of Soorma Bhopali (which was played by comedian Jagdeep) is also part of the story.” Kaushik feels that Ajay Devgn or Salman Khan are best suited for Thakur’s role. He is also in talks with Sholay 3D producers Jayantilal Gada and Sascha Sippy about the prequel.