Restored Sholay Version with Original Ending to Premiere in Italy; Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra React
Restored Sholay Version of the iconic Bollywood epic is set to make its world premiere on June 27 at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. Celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary, this special screening will be held at the iconic Piazza Maggiore, a large open-air venue known for hosting prestigious cinematic events.
The Restored Sholay Version will showcase the film as originally envisioned by director Ramesh Sippy, featuring the original ending and never-before-seen deleted scenes. This marks the first time audiences will witness the complete uncut version of Sholay, one of Indian cinema’s most revered masterpieces.
A Landmark in Indian Film History
Originally released in 1975, Sholay became a cult classic, elevating Bollywood’s narrative style, character depth, and action cinematography. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan, whose performance as Gabbar Singh became iconic.
The Restored Sholay Version is the result of a meticulous three-year collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., bringing together restoration experts and archival material from Mumbai and London, with technical support from Italy and the British Film Institute.
Amitabh Bachchan Reflects on Sholay’s Legacy
Reacting to the announcement of the Restored Sholay Version, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan shared a heartfelt message:
“Some things in life remain permanently etched in your mind. Sholay is one such film. Shooting for it was an unforgettable experience, but at the time, I had no idea that it would be a watershed for Indian cinema. Its journey from being labeled unsuccessful to becoming a record-breaking blockbuster was an emotional rollercoaster. It’s wonderful that the Film Heritage Foundation has restored Sholay and included the original ending and deleted scenes. I hope that even 50 years later, it captures the imagination of new audiences across the world.”
The Restored Sholay Version will also feature enhanced visuals and audio, screened in a 2.2:1 aspect ratio that will enrich the cinematic experience for both new and nostalgic viewers.
Cinema Ritrovato Festival
Dharmendra Celebrates the Uncut Sholay
Veteran actor Dharmendra, who played Veeru in the film, was equally emotional about the news:
“Sholay is the 8th wonder of the world. I am thrilled to hear that the film is being restored and I’m sure it will find the same success it had 50 years ago. Who can forget Salim-Javed’s dialogues or Ramesh Sippy’s direction? Every scene became iconic and every character turned into a star. The real hero, however, was the coin. Few know that I was offered Gabbar and Thakur’s roles, but I chose Veeru—he’s just like me. I had immense fun on the shoot. My favorite moments include the tanki scene, temple scene, and especially Jai’s death—it’s burned into my memory.”
The Restored Sholay Version allows fans to relive these powerful scenes with renewed clarity and emotional impact.
A Technical Triumph in Restoration
The restoration team worked on rare prints found in both Indian and British film archives. The final Restored Sholay Version involved advanced techniques to revive color, restore damaged frames, and remaster the original soundtrack. Italian experts played a key role in the digital mastering process, ensuring the film’s presentation is of global archival standards.
According to the press release, the Restored Sholay Version also underwent frame-by-frame scanning and correction, ensuring authenticity while enhancing visual depth and texture.
Global Audience, Timeless Appeal
The release of the Restored Sholay Version is not just a tribute to a great film but also a symbol of India’s growing influence in world cinema. The decision to premiere it at an international film festival highlights the film’s global legacy and timeless relevance.
By showcasing the Restored Sholay Version on a global stage, the Film Heritage Foundation is introducing younger generations worldwide to the magic of a film that redefined Indian storytelling.
The Restored Sholay Version represents a monumental moment in cinematic history. Featuring never-before-seen scenes, the original conclusion, and digitally restored visuals and sound, it’s a gift to generations of fans. With heartfelt reflections from stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, this world premiere is not just a film event—it’s a celebration of culture, legacy, and timeless storytelling
‘A Wednesday’ Was Against the Trend, But It Shaped Me: Neeraj Pandey Reflects on His Iconic Debut