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Sholay`s Original Cut: Unseen Scenes to Premiere in Italy After 50 Years!
Updated on: 23 June, 2025 04:52 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Sholay Poster
Decades after its original release, the iconic Bollywood blockbuster Sholay is making a grand return to the silver screen, but not as you`ve seen it before. The legendary 1975 film is set for a world premiere of its restored, uncut version at Italy’s prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival on June 27. This special screening marks the beginning of the film`s 50th-anniversary celebrations, offering audiences a glimpse of the masterpiece as director Ramesh Sippy first envisioned it.
The film`s stars have shared their excitement about this revival. Amitabh Bachchan, who played Jai, recalled the film`s incredible journey. “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," he said.
His co-star Dharmendra, the indomitable Veeru, described Sholay as “the eighth wonder of the world". He added, “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."
Also Read: 5 Unforgettable Characters Played by Hema Malini
The Director`s Vision Restored
The premiere will take place at the Piazza Maggiore, a grand open-air venue in Bologna, perfect for reviving a cinematic classic. This restored version features the original, grittier ending where Thakur kills the menacing dacoit Gabbar Singh—a scene famously altered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the 1975 theatrical release. For the first time, audiences will also witness several never-before-seen deleted scenes. This monumental restoration project was a three-year-long "labour of love" for Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd.The film`s stars have shared their excitement about this revival. Amitabh Bachchan, who played Jai, recalled the film`s incredible journey. “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," he said.
His co-star Dharmendra, the indomitable Veeru, described Sholay as “the eighth wonder of the world". He added, “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."
Also Read: 5 Unforgettable Characters Played by Hema Malini
A New Lease of Life
Producer Shehzad Sippy expressed his pride in bringing his grandfather GP Sippy’s vision back to life. “I can’t wait for Sholay to begin its new lease of life," he shared. Following its international premiere, this restored version of Sholay is set to return to Indian cinemas in August, allowing a new generation to experience the magic, dialogue, and drama that made it an enduring phenomenon.ADVERTISEMENT
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