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Mark your calendars for December 12, as the iconic Indian film Sholay returns to theaters worldwide. This release marks the film’s 50th anniversary, featuring the long-awaited original uncut version, meticulously restored in stunning 4K resolution and enhanced with Dolby 5.1 sound. The trailer, featuring the tagline, “The Greatest Story Never Told,” reflects the film’s celebrated status in Indian cinema, as audiences have yet to experience this complete rendition.
The narrative follows Thakur Baldev Singh, a former police officer who recruits two small-time crooks, the charming Veeru and the reflective Jai, to confront the notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh, a menace to the village of Ramgarh. This timeless tale blends action, drama, and unforgettable characters, solidifying its place in Indian film history.
The evidence
The newly released trailer highlights the magnetic chemistry between Jai and Veeru, portrayed by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, respectively. Their performances are enhanced by Sanjeev Kumar’s powerful portrayal of Thakur, Hema Malini’s delightful Basanti, Jaya Bachchan’s strong-willed Radha, and Amjad Khan’s unforgettable Gabbar Singh. The recent passing of actors Dharmendra and Asrani adds a poignant layer to this revival, transforming the reissue into a tribute to their enduring contributions to cinema.
A fresh take on the beloved score
The film’s theme has been reimagined by Clinton Cerejo for this special edition. Shehzad Sippy, who is revitalizing the Sippy Films banner, expressed his excitement, stating, “This milestone finally presents Sholay in its true form, as it was originally intended for audiences to see. This cut includes the authentic ending and the original score composed by the legendary R.D. Burman. I am eager for audiences to witness this on the big screen for the first time.”
The journey of restoration
The restoration process involved a three-year collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films, culminating in a world premiere at Italy’s Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival. This event marked a historic moment, as it was the first time the public experienced the film’s original conclusion, where Thakur avenges his family’s suffering by killing Gabbar Singh, instead of the altered police arrest mandated by the Central Board of Film Certification during India’s Emergency period in 1975.
Sholay’s lasting legacy
Crafted by the iconic writing duo of Salim-Javed, Sholay uniquely combines Western cinematic influences from masters like Sergio Leone, Akira Kurosawa, and John Sturges, with rich Indian storytelling traditions. Despite a lukewarm reception at its release on August 15, 1975, this epic film, spanning 204 minutes, dominated the Indian box office for an astonishing 19 years, holding a continuous run of five years at Mumbai’s Minerva cinema, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
In 2002, a poll conducted by the British Film Institute crowned Sholay the greatest Indian film ever made, while in 1999, BBC India hailed it as the “Film of the Millennium.” These accolades reaffirm the film’s significance and its impact on generations of viewers.
With the excitement surrounding its return, fans of Indian cinema can look forward to experiencing Sholay: The Final Cut in a format that honors its legacy while introducing it to new audiences. The film’s themes of friendship, bravery, and justice continue to resonate, making it a timeless classic.