This paper traces the portrayal of violence in cinema through the ages taking into
consideration two films from two disparate countries and cultures – the Japanese
Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa and its remake, the Indian blockbuster Sholay by
Ramesh Sippy which was set in two different eras. This paper critiques the
representation of violence in the two films and the reasons that led the films to
become blockbuster hits. It takes into account the technical innovations used
during the making and the resultant effect it had on the spectators. It also discusses
the aspects which show that they are similar yet different from each other. Although
Sholay has taken inspiration from Seven Samurai, its aggressive, dominant villain
Gabbar is a well-rounded character and light has been thrown on his sadistic
means. The samurai’s Bushido code of combat has been discussed concerning
Kambei and the other samurai and how they remain loyal to it until the very end.