Sholay's Historic Screening Marks Indian-Italian Film Bond

Sholay's restored uncut version screened in Bologna, marking 50 years; original climax shown, celebrating Indian-Italian cinema collaboration and heritage.

- MURTAZA ALI KHAN

Fifty years after its thunderous arrival in Indian theatres, Sholay, one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema, blazed back onto the screen—this time under the open sky in the historic Piazza Maggiore of Bologna, Italy. It was no ordinary screening. Cinephiles from across the globe gathered for a glimpse of the newly restored, uncut version of Ramesh Sippy's timeless classic, a version that finally allowed audiences to witness scenes long buried in the archives, including the original climax—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.

Sholay, with its unforgettable ensemble of Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, and the menacing Amjad Khan as Gabbar Singh, was first released in 1975 and swiftly grew into a cultural phenomenon. The tale of friendship, revenge, and sacrifice resonated with audiences for generations, spawning catchphrases, fan clubs, and countless reinterpretations across media.

This year, to commemorate the film's golden jubilee, the Film Heritage Foundation, led by its indefatigable founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, collaborated with the renowned Cineteca di Bologna to bring the complete Sholay back to life. The world premiere of the uncut print formed the centerpiece of the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival, Bologna's annual tribute to the lost and found treasures of world cinema.