Here’s what businesses and tech leaders can learn from the cinematic stage
“Sholay,” a cinematic masterpiece, rides into our hearts like a fearless outlaw.
Veering through laughter and tears, the epic film carves an eternal saga, forever echoing the clinks of spurs and the resonant call of “Kitne aadmi the?” – an unextinguished fire that continues to captivate generations.
The movie truly has been the greatest story ever told.
Released exactly 48 years ago on 15th August 1975, this classic Hindi film combined action, adventure, romance, comedy, and drama in a captivating story of two outlaws, Jai and Veeru, who are hired by a retired policeman, Thakur Baldev Singh, to capture a notorious bandit, Gabbar Singh.
It is a film that has inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
But what does this film mean for businesses?
In the business context, our search for inspiration frequently overlooks a ubiquitous source of insight—movies. Cinematic marvels like Sholay evoke empathy and introspection. They resonate with our thoughts, sometimes speaking to us directly and kindling aspiration.
Here are a few instances from the film that offer invaluable lessons for leaders, serving as beacons of guidance for those navigating the intricate path of business and entrepreneurship.
The power of purpose and being resilient
A few minutes into the start of the film, the jail warden arrives by train to meet Thakur Baldev Singh at his home. Thakur tells the warden,” जेलर साब मुझे दो आदमियों की ज़रूरत है। काम कुछ ऐसा है कि मुझे यही दो आदमियों की ज़रूरत है |” (Jailor Sir, I need two men and since the job is a complex one, I have identified these two people, and I am sure that they are capable to help me solve my problem and achieve my goal).
The Thakur was clear in his objective and to obtain the goal he was sure of the resources (Jai and Veeru) that were needed. It also a great case of outsourcing.
Purpose helps a company stay focused on its core values and goals. Thakur’s resilience exemplifies the power of overcoming adversity. He knew exactly where to play and how to win.
Team collaboration
The solid bond between Veeru and Jai mirrors the essence of teamwork and camaraderie, crucial for any successful venture.
Tired of playing it safe?
Soorma Bhopali (Jagdeep) has a wood cutting factory. Jai and Veeru visit Soorma Bhopali and tell him to call the police and get both of them arrested. Both Jai and Veeru are carrying a reward of Rs. 2000 on their heads. They tell Soorma that he can keep half the money and return the half once both are released. Jai and Veeru teach how to take risks that pay off.
Culture and change management
The Jailor (Asrani) is all about changing the culture of the prison when he loudly says that “हम अंग्रेज़ों के ज़माने के जेलर हैं।” (I am warden of the British times).
However, he also accepts that “तुम लोग कभी सुधर नहीं सकते, जब हम नहीं सुधरे तो तुम क्या सुधरोगे। हमारी इतनी बदलियाँ के बाद भी, हम नहीं बदले (You prisoners can never change. When I didn’t change, how can you change? Despite being transferred from one place to another I still haven’t changed)
A culture change always starts at the top. Transforming an organization’s culture is the hardest part of innovation. It demands leaders and staff to embrace fresh perspectives and behaviors, often conflicting with entrenched conventions. It is crucial that CEOs continually reinforce the correlation between culture and business performance.
Beware of the false positive trigger
A false positive occurs when a system predicts a positive outcome, but the actual result is negative.
The Jailor says “हमारे जासूस जेल में चारो तरफ फ़ैले हुए हैं। घड़ी घड़ी की रिपोर्ट हमें मिलती रहती है। (My spies are spread in all the four corners of the prison, and I get a report every second)
Hariram (the barber) is the spy of the Jailor who feeds him with all the ongoing activities in the prison. He reports to the jailor that a tunnel will be created next to barrack number 9, and that a pistol has sneaked into the prison. The Jailor falls into the trap created by Jai and Veeru.
Lack of visibility can hurt your team
The scene when the Jailor shouts,” सिपाहियों, आधे इधर जाओ, आधे उधर जाओ और बाकी मेरे साथ आओ।”(Soldiers, half of you go right, half go left, and the remaining come with me). The Jailor was left alone after this order. It helped Jai and Veeru escape. It is important to know where and how you are deploying your resources. Having visibility is always critical.
Set customer expectations upfront
When Jai and Veeru board Basanti’s horse carriage (Dhanno) she tells them that the fare to Belapur will be Rs. 2 while it will Rs.1.50 paise for Ramgarh. This is because the carriage was based out of Ramgarh.
Customer experience is fast becoming one of the key revenue generators for businesses. Being transparent and creating moments that matter will be the key for brands. It will help them hold their head high and keep relationships intact.
More isn’t always a good thing
When Gabbar’s men (Kaalia and two others) go to village Ramgarh to collect grains they are pushed back by Jai and Veeru.
Gabbar asks Kaalia,” कितने आदमी थे?” (How many men were there?) And when Gabbar finds out that there were two people, he responds, “वो दो और तुम तीन, फिर भी खाली हाथ आ गये?” (You were three and they were only two, and yet you came empty handed).
Despite having 50 percent more resources, Gabbar’s men could not get a single piece of grain. Having more resources or data doesn’t mean you will get the best results. If the quality is not up to the mark, the results will always disappoint.
Protect your brand and reputation
Gabbar was a bigger brand than Thakur. When Kaalia along with the other two dacoits return empty handed to Gabbar’s hideout, he gets furious.
He asks Samba to let everyone know the prize kept by the government to capture him. Samba says,” पचास हजार सरकार|”
If businesses don’t protect their reputation and brand image, they can end up losing social proof, influence, and financial position.
Be proactive, act on data
Girija brings news from Pipli village and says that gypsies led by Hira have set up camp five miles from Pipli. Hira is the one that sells arms and ammunition to Gabbar. Thakur says, “मार दो हथौड़ा, लोहा गरम है” (Strike when the iron is hot)
Jai and Veeru go to Pipli and destroy the arms and ammunition thereby weakening Gabbar’s intention.
Request for new proposal
Veeru tells Jai to speak with Basanti’s aunt (Mausiji) for marriage. Jai says that this is the 8th time in a year that he has brought the topic of marriage.
Jai meets Basanti’s aunt, and after listening to the vices of Veeru she rejects the marriage proposal outright ( Veeru did not earn, he made money when he gambled, and he gambled only when he drank).
Proposals should clearly and demonstrably meet goals and criteria. The main objective of the proposal is to get the other party to buy into your services/offerings. A proposal is also about representing your team and your organization responsibly.
Work life balance
Jai played the harmonica as and when he got time. Having a good work-life balance will help one stay passionate, creative and productive.
Sholay: Transcending generations
I am sure the film would offer more lessons for businesses, some of which I would have missed.
On a concluding note, just as “Sholay” united genres seamlessly, businesses should amalgamate diverse talents.
The film’s timelessness underscores the importance of creating enduring products and experiences that resonate through generations, a testament to crafting a lasting legacy.
Happy Independence Day.
