Uncut ‘Sholay' restoration to premiere at Bologna film festival

The restored version of Sholay, one of Indian cinema's most iconic films, is set to have its world premiere at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on June 27. This screening marks the first time audiences will witness the original, uncut version of the 1975 classic, complete with previously deleted scenes and the film's intended ending.
Directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Salim-Javed, Sholay has long been considered a landmark in Indian filmmaking. The film, stars Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan as the infamous Gabbar Singh. It follows two small-time criminals recruited by a retired police officer to capture a ruthless bandit terrorising a village.
The restoration was carried out over three years by Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. Due to the deterioration of the original negatives, the team relied on interpositives and color reversal intermediates sourced from archives in Mumbai and London. The restored cut reinstates two previously unseen scenes and the film's original ending, long thought to be lost.
'This is a tribute to the vision and legacy of my grandfather G.P. Sippy,' said producer Shehzad Sippy. 'It has taken us three years, but we were able to bring the film back to its full form.'
The film, originally shot for 70mm projection with stereophonic sound, has been returned to its intended 2.2:1 aspect ratio with a 5.1 sound mix. The team consulted cinematographer Kamlakar Rao to ensure technical accuracy.
Amitabh Bachchan called Sholay a 'watershed for Indian cinema,' while Dharmendra described it as 'the 8th wonder of the world.' Both actors praised the film's enduring popularity and impact on Indian culture.
The premiere at Piazza Maggiore is expected to draw global audiences, reaffirming Sholay's legacy as a cinematic milestone. The Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival runs from June 21 to 29.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

NDTV

20 minutes ago

• NDTV

"Will Ensure Diljit Dosanjh Gets No Work In India": Film Body After Pak Actor Hania Aamir Cast In Sardaar Ji 3

New Delhi: Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming release Sardaar Ji 3 has been embroiled in a controversy after Pakistani actor Hania Aamir was cast in the film. Diljit, who happens to be one of the producers of the film, released the trailer of the film featuring Hania Aamir on June 22. The makers have skipped the film's India release amid the India-Pakistan tensions, propelled by the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22) and the Operation Sindoor (May 7). After Diljit announced the release date of the film (June 27), authorities like the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have decided to ban Diljit Dosanjh in India. What's Happening The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) President, BN Tiwari told NDTV that they have decided to issue a directive to ban Diljit Dosanjh and other producers of the film in India. BN Tiwari told NDTV, "There will be complete non co-operation. If the film releases anywhere, we will issue a directive of non co-operation. We will ensure that Diljit Dosanjh won't get work (films or concerts) in any part of India." "If he doesn't withdraw the release of the film, he won't get work in India," BN Tiwari added. Along with the FWICE, the All Indian Cine Workers Association also decided to ban Diljit Dosanjh working in India. In an X post, the body wrote, "We hereby announce a complete boycott of singer and producer Diljit Dosanjh from the Indian film urge all Indian producers, production houses, music companies, event organizers, and film workers to stand united and not associate with Diljit Dosanjh in any professional capacity. We will approach various industry unions, workers' bodies, and stakeholders to uphold this patriotic call." FWICE has also written a letter to CBFC to uphold the Diljit and Hania film's censor certificate. Background On Sunday, June 22, Dosanjh shared the film's trailer on social media and announced the film's release date. Sharing the trailer on his official Instagram page, Diljit wrote, "Sardaar Ji 3 Releasing 27th June OVERSEAS Only/ FADH LAO BHOOND DIAN LATTAN (sic)." The teaser of the film didn't feature Hania Aamir, while the trailer of the film showed her. The YouTube link of the Sardaar Ji 3 trailer has been geo-blocked in India. Sardaar Ji 3 is a horror comedy featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir and Neeru Bajwa. Before Sardaar Ji 3, FWICE had banned Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal release, which would have marked his comeback on the Indian screen after 9 years. In A Nutshell The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has decided to ban Diljit Dosanjh performing in films and concerts in India after his production Sardaar Ji 3 cast Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The film body also wrote a letter to CBFC to stall the film's certification.

India Gazette

20 minutes ago

• India Gazette

Restored 'Sholay' version with original ending, deleted scenes to premiere in Italy; Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra react

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 23 (ANI): The legendary Bollywood epic 'Sholay' will receive a special 50th anniversary tribute with the world premiere of its fully restored, uncut version at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. The screening will take place on June 27 at the large open-air Piazza Maggiore, known for hosting memorable film events. Originally released in 1975, Sholay became a cult favourite in Indian cinema, thanks to its powerful story, characters, and action scenes. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film featured Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan, and went on to become a cultural phenomenon. The restored version is the result of a three-year collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. For the first time, viewers will be able to see the film with its original ending and previously deleted scenes that were missing from the version that was widely shown in theatres. As per a press release, Amitabh Bachchan, while sharing his thoughts said, '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. 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 said, '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. 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.' The restoration project involved working with rare materials found in film archives in Mumbai and London, and the final version was created with the help of experts in Italy and support from the British Film Institute. The film will be shown in a 2.2:1 aspect ratio, with restored sound and visuals. (ANI)

Time of India

31 minutes ago

• Time of India

'Bollywood has turned cultural characters into Buffoons': Pawan Kalyan slams Hindi Cinema, praises South's cultural integrity

Picture Credit: X Tollywood superstar and newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan , has stirred conversation with his candid take on the current state of Indian cinema . In a recent interview with Organizer Weekly, the actor-turned-politician expressed disappointment with what he sees as Bollywood's gradual detachment from Indian cultural roots, contrasting it with the cultural sincerity he believes South Indian cinema continues to uphold. While discussing how filmmaking has evolved across the country, Pawan Kalyan criticised Bollywood for being overly influenced by globalisation and commercialism. He remarked: "Over time, it changed due to filmmakers that came from different generations. Especially, Hindi cinema was influenced by globalisation. Since then, there are some movies which created buffoonery out of culturally connected characters." The 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' star pointed out that South Indian films—including those from Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam industries—have managed to stay more deeply rooted in Indian traditions and values. He praised these regional cinemas for preserving "Bharateeyata" (Indianness) amidst the growing commercial pressures of the entertainment world. "Nowadays, South Indian films are representing Indian culture more. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo It has been done in Hindi cinema for a certain period. For example, if you see Dangal, it represents Indian culture," he added. While not dismissing Bollywood entirely, Pawan acknowledged rare exceptions like Aamir Khan's Dangal, which he described as a "rooted film with a connection to Indian culture." However, he lamented that such films have become increasingly rare in the Hindi film landscape. A Cultural Standpoint from a Political Powerhouse Now holding a key political position in Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan's opinions carry significant weight both within and beyond the entertainment industry. His statements underline a growing sentiment among regional film enthusiasts who believe that mainstream Hindi cinema has strayed too far from Indian ethos in the pursuit of global appeal. On the Acting Front: Big Releases Ahead Despite his political responsibilities, Pawan Kalyan remains active in films. His long-awaited period action drama 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' is finally slated to release on July 24, 2025. Fans can also look forward to his gangster drama 'They Call Him OG', which hits theatres on September 25, 2025. Additionally, he is currently filming the much-anticipated cop drama 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh.' With bold opinions and blockbuster projects on the horizon, Pawan Kalyan continues to command attention—both as a cinematic force and a political voice deeply rooted in Indian values.