Amitabh Bachchan Dharmendra’s Cult Classic ‘Sholay’ To Screen At Bologna Film Festival In 4K On Its 50th Anniversary
Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 cult classic Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, is all set to return to the big screen. The restored uncut 4K version of the legendary action drama will have its world premiere on June 27, 2025, at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy.
Organised by Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films, the special screening will take place at 9:45 PM on a massive open air screen in Piazza Maggiore, a medieval square that offers a fittingly grand backdrop for the iconic film.
The announcement was made via social media on June 23. The official caption reads, “Audiences will have the unique opportunity to see the original ending and previously deleted scenes that were not part of the widely distributed theatrical cut, offering a fresh perspective on a cinematic masterpiece. Restored by Film Heritage Foundation at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in association with Sippy Films. Funding provided by Sippy Films. FHF would like to thank Shehzad Sippy for taking the initiative to restore one of the most iconic films of Indian cinema.”
Reflecting on the restoration, Amitabh Bachchan shared, “Some things in life remain permanently etched in your mind. Sholay is one such film. Shooting for the film was an unforgettable experience, but at the time, I had no idea that it would be a watershed for Indian cinema.”
He added, “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. It’s wonderful that the Film Heritage Foundation has restored Sholay and that they have managed to locate and include the original ending as well as some deleted scenes in the restoration. I hope that even 50 years later, the film will capture the imagination of new audiences across the world.”
Dharmendra, too, called Sholay the “8th wonder of the world,” adding, “Sholay is the 8th 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.”
He also revealed a lesser-known detail, “Few people know that I was offered the role of Gabbar and Thakur, but I was clear that I wanted to play the role of Veeru as he is so much like me. I had so much fun on the shoot. 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.”
First released on August 15, 1975, Sholay is considered a turning point in Indian cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and penned by Salim-Javed. The cast includes Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Asrani, and Mac Mohan.