Sholay’s restored version to have its world premiere in Italy on Friday
The annual Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Italy's Bologna to screen the uncut version of Ramesh Sippy-directed Sholay to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
The Ramesh Sippy-directed film Sholay, which was originally released in 1975, is considered to be one of the most popular Indian films. (Photo: Sippy Films)
The uncut version of newly-restored Sholay and featuring the original ending — which shows Gabbar Singh being killed by Thakur instead of arrested by police, and previously deleted scenes that were not part of the widely distributed theatrical cut — will have its world premiere on June 27 on the large open-air screen at Piazza Maggiore in Italy’s Bologna to commemorate the film’s 50th anniversary. The screening is scheduled to take place as part of the annual Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna.
The Ramesh Sippy-directed film, which was originally released in 1975, is considered to be one of the most popular Indian films and continues to be celebrated for its enduring impact. The restored version, a collaborative effort by Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., brings back the film as it was originally intended. The original ending was reportedly removed following the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s direction.
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Describing “shooting for the film was an unforgettable experience,” Amitabh Bachchan states, “At the time I had no idea that it would be a watershed for Indian cinema. Its dramatic change in fortunes from being declared an unsuccessful venture, to its record-breaking box office run was an emotional rollercoaster for all of us…I hope that even 50 years later, the film will capture the imagination of new audiences across the world.” His statement was shared in a press note regarding the film’s world premiere and restoration.
Sholay’s stellar cast also included Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini. (Photo: Sippy Films)
The other leading actor of Sholay, Dharmendra calls it “the eighth wonder of the world”. “I am thrilled to hear that the film is being restored and I am sure it will have the same success as it had 50 years ago. Who can forget the dialogues of Salim-Javed and the direction of Ramesh Sippy? So many scenes have gone down in the history of Indian cinema and every character became a star. But the real hero was the coin…My favourite scenes were the tanki scene, the scene in the temple, and so many others, but the most powerful scene I feel was the death of Jai, which is still etched in my mind,” says Dharmendra. The film’s stellar cast also included Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini.
Shehzad Sippy, producer, Sippy Films states that even though the restoration has taken three years, they were happy to find the original ending and some deleted scenes that the world will see for the first time at the grand premiere at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna. “It’s been a labour of love to resurrect the film and this is a tribute to the vision and the legacy of my grandfather GP Sippy. I can’t wait for ‘Sholay’ to begin its new lease of life,” he says in the press note.
Talking about the long and complex restoration process of Sholay, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director of Film Heritage Foundation says: “Despite the fact that we could not use the original camera negative and that not a single 70mm print survives, we have left no stone unturned to ensure that this historic film has been beautifully restored. I can’t wait to watch the film in the open air in the Piazza in Bologna along with thousands of cinephiles from around the world.”
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
