Ramesh Sippy’s iconic 1975 film, ‘Sholay,’ starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, is set for a grand return. The restored and uncut 4K version will have its world premiere at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on June 27, 2025. The screening, organized with the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films, will be held at Piazza Maggiore. This special presentation offers audiences a unique opportunity to witness the original ending and deleted scenes not included in the theatrical release. The restoration, handled by the Film Heritage Foundation at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory, involved the inclusion of previously unseen material. Amitabh Bachchan expressed his fond memories of the film, highlighting its monumental impact on Indian cinema. Dharmendra lauded ‘Sholay’ as an unparalleled cinematic achievement, recalling the film’s memorable dialogues and the iconic characters that resonated with audiences. The film, released on August 15, 1975, featured a star-studded cast including Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Asrani, and Mac Mohan. The restoration underscores the lasting legacy of ‘Sholay’ in Indian cinema history.
