Sholay – The Final Cut release: Fifty years after it hit theatres and rewrote cinematic history, iconic film Sholay, returns on silver screen with an unseen ending, offering something new for the fans who grew up re-watching one of the biggest entertainers of the century. The release coincides with the movie’s 50th anniversary and will be screened across 1,500 theatres.
The restored version of Sholay, will offer a different experience to fans who will be re-watching and given an opportunity to the current generation to experience the magic of the film restored in 4k and Dolby 5.1. In the special edition, the film’s original ending where Thakur kills Gabbar with his spikes shoes, will be shown, apart from two other deleted scenes.
Film Heritage Foundation that’s restoring the film
It is hard to imagine today that Sholay was beat by a humble film Jai Santoshi Maa back in 1975, when both films released around the same time. While Ramesh Sippy‘s film broke many records, and became highest grosser of the year, it was Jai Santoshi Maa that earned more profit. Had it been any different if Gabbar died in the original Sholay? That question will be answered now with the film’s re-release.
Abhishek Bachchan can’t wait to watch Sholay on big screen
Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan has shared his excitement to watch his father Amitabh Bachchan’s unforgettable movie for the first time in theatres.
“The greatest story never told! Can’t wait to witness #Sholay in all its glory on the big screen.
I have NEVER seen Sholay on the big screen only on TV and VHS/ DVD. It’s been a life long dream,” he shares on X.
Dharmendra reveals his favourite scene from the film in recent chat
In an interaction with FHF Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Dharmendra revealed his favourite scene from the film was the one when Amitabh Bachchan‘s character died, which changes the entire course of the film. On talking about his preparation for the scene from the film, the actor said “nothing is difficult to me” as he gets into the skin of the character completely, leaving behind the real Dharmendra. “Ye bhagwan ki den hai.”
What was the original climax of Sholay
Sholay, as fans know it, ends with villain Gabbar Singh being handed over to the police, after Thakur played by Sanjeev Kumar spares him. However, in the restored film, Gabbar Singh doesn’t survive the wrath of Thakur and that is set to change Sholay forever.
Son of Javed Akhtar, director Farhan Akhtar during a promotional event told reporters unknown details about Salim Javed’s original ending.
“In the original climax, Sanjeev Kumar, aka Thakur, was meant to kill Gabbar Singh with his bare feet in a brutal act of revenge after losing his family and arms to the dacoit,” said Farhan.
“That was the emotional core of the film – Thakur plotting his revenge after his hands were cut off. We get lost in the Jai-Veeru friendship, but the real spine was the honest cop going after the dacoit who ruined his life,” he added.
“They had to change it due to the Emergency, and the original ending is now available. That’s actually when he cries – after crushing Gabbar with his own feet,” said Farhan.