Fifty years after its debut, legendary Bollywood blockbuster Sholay has been resurrected in a stunning, fully restored and uncut version, making its world premiere at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. The new version includes never-before-seen deleted scenes and the original darker ending, offering fans the most authentic experience yet.
The restoration is a tribute to the creators’ original vision. In the restored version, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) executes the infamous gangster Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) by crushing him with spiked shoes—a climax deemed too violent by the Central Board of Film Certification in 1975, which required a softer ending where Gabbar was arrested.
Orchestrated by Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films, led by Shehzad and Ramesh Sippy’s team, the process took nearly three years. Sadly, no 70 mm prints remained, and even negatives had deteriorated—making the restoration a true labor of love.
A Cinematic Milestone
Sholay is often dubbed the “Star Wars of Bollywood”, credited with revolutionizing Indian cinema with its genre-blending narrative, iconic performances, and unforgettable dialogues . Its legacy includes the legendary duo Jai–Veeru, the memorable “Kitne aadmi the?” lines, and cultural ubiquity—from weddings to political speeches.
Amitabh Bachchan, who portrayed Jai, called the film an “emotional rollercoaster” that’s “permanently etched” in memory. Co-star Dharmendra praised it as the “eighth wonder of the world”, while Film Heritage Foundation’s Shivendra Dungarpur said his restoration journey began as a six-year-old longing to watch Sholay in theaters.
The Bologna Debut
The grand premiere took place on June 27, 2025, in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore, with a breathtaking open-air screening on one of Europe’s largest outdoor cinema screens. The launch coincides with Sholay‘s 50th anniversary—precisely set for August 15, 1975, aligning with India’s Independence Day celebration.
Why This Matters
- Restoring Artistic Intent
Viewers now experience the film as director Ramesh Sippy intended: with striking emotional and dramatic impact restored. - Reconnecting Generations
Older fans relive nostalgic glory, while younger audiences discover the unfiltered power of a cinematic classic. - Bolstering Bollywood’s Heritage
The success may spark renewed interest in preserving other iconic Indian movies for re-release globally.
What’s Next?
- Expect more international festival screenings, along with a likely Indian theatrical re-release and digital distribution.
- The restored Sholay could inspire future restorations of classics like Mother India and Mughal-e-Azam.
The restored Sholay—complete, bold, and uncut—is not merely a revival; it’s a reclamation of cinematic heritage. As it continues to enchant crowds under Bologna’s summer sky, one thing is clear: Ramgarh’s legend has returned with unforgettable power.
– Deeprows Entertainments
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