“Sholay: The Final Cut” Brings Iconic Climax Back to Theatres After 50 Years

50 Years Later: A Historic Return
Fifty years after its original release, Ramesh Sippy’s legendary film Sholay returns to the big screen in a restored 4K version titled Sholay: The Final Cut. For the first time, audiences will witness the film’s original climax, which had been removed before its initial release. The film has been screened in 1,500 theatres and preserved by the Film Heritage Foundation, ensuring that this iconic piece of Indian cinema is maintained for future generations.

The Original Controversial Climax
The original climax, written by Salim-Javed, saw Thakur Baldev Singh exact revenge on Gabbar Singh using his spiked shoes—a scene removed due to objections from the Central Board of Film Certification over its violent content. Now, audiences finally get to experience this pivotal moment, which had been cut in 1975.

A Star-Studded Cast
The film features legendary actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kapoor, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Asrani, and Amjad Khan. Celebrated for its gripping narrative and memorable performances, Sholay became the highest-grossing film of its release year and continues to hold a special place in Indian cinema history.

Global Screenings and Audience Reactions
Ramesh Sippy recently showcased Sholay at the Toronto International Film Festival, where every seat in the theatre was filled. Seeing audiences react with the same enthusiasm decades later has been a thrilling experience for the director. He expressed excitement over bringing the original climax back to Indian theatres, giving fans a chance to witness the film as it was originally envisioned.

Dharmendra Remembers His Favorite Scene
Actor Dharmendra, reflecting on his most beloved scene, shared that it was Amitabh Bachchan’s character Vijay’s death, which completely altered the film’s trajectory. Speaking with FHF director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Dharmendra said, “For me, there was no difficulty in performing that scene. I gave my all to the character and let the character take over me—it was truly a blessing from God.”

Celebrating a Cinematic Milestone
Half a century later, Sholay: The Final Cut continues to captivate audiences, honoring the legacy of one of India’s most iconic films. The restored climax allows fans, old and new, to experience the original vision of the filmmakers and relive the magic of this cinematic masterpiece.