Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra’s legendary film Sholay is set to get a grand 50th-anniversary tribute with the world premiere of its fully restored and uncut version. This special screening will take place on June 27 at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, at the famous open-air venue Piazza Maggiore.
Sholay, released in 1975, is one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, it starred Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan. The film became a massive hit for its gripping story, unforgettable characters, and powerful action scenes.
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Now, after nearly 50 years, the film is making headlines again with a newly restored version. This version includes the original ending and several scenes that were deleted before its release. The restoration project took three years and was led by the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt Ltd. Experts from Italy and the British Film Institute also helped bring the film back to life using rare material found in Mumbai and London.
Reactions from the Stars
Amitabh Bachchan shared his excitement and said,
“Some things stay with you forever, and Sholay is one of them. Shooting the film was unforgettable, but none of us knew it would become so important for Indian cinema. It’s amazing that the original ending and lost scenes are finally being shown. I hope the film continues to inspire people, even 50 years later.”
Dharmendra also expressed his happiness, calling Sholay
“The 8th wonder of the world!”
He recalled how he chose to play Veeru, even though he was offered the roles of Gabbar and Thakur.
“Veeru’s character was just like me. I had a blast filming the tank scene, the temple scene, and many others. But the most powerful scene for me was Jai’s death. It still moves me.”
He also praised the famous dialogues by Salim-Javed and the brilliant direction of Ramesh Sippy.
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The restored version will be shown in a wide 2.2:1 aspect ratio, with enhanced sound and visuals to match modern quality while preserving its classic charm.
Sholay is returning in a better-than-ever version, complete with original scenes and a fresh look, ready to capture hearts around the world once again.
