One of Indian cinema’s most iconic films, Sholay, is set to mark its 50th anniversary with a grand international tribute. On June 27, the cult classic will receive a world premiere of its fully restored, uncut version at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy — a celebration befitting its legendary status.
The special screening will take place on Friday evening at 9:45 pm at Piazza Maggiore, the festival’s famed open-air venue known for showcasing timeless cinema under the stars. The restoration brings back elements of the film that were previously unseen, including its original ending and several deleted scenes, offering audiences a rare chance to experience the film as it was originally envisioned.
Directed by Ramesh Sippy and produced by G.P. Sippy, Sholay premiered in 1975 and quickly became a cinematic landmark. The story, penned by the acclaimed screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, follows the tale of two outlaws, Veeru (Dharmendra) and Jai (Amitabh Bachchan), recruited by a former police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) to bring down the fearsome bandit Gabbar Singh, a role that marked the unforgettable debut of Amjad Khan.
The film also starred Hema Malini as Basanti and Jaya Bhaduri (now Bachchan) as Radha, with music composed by R.D. Burman, which remains iconic to this day.
Sholay’s restoration has been the result of a dedicated three-year collaboration between Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. For the first time, the full-length film, including scenes removed prior to its original theatrical release, will be presented in its entirety to a global audience.
“This version gives us the chance to honour the film’s original vision,” said a spokesperson from the Film Heritage Foundation. “It’s a cultural artifact, not just a film.”
Sholay cast salary
Sholay was made on a then-whopping budget of Rs 3 crore, a massive investment for the 1970s. Despite playing the second lead, Amitabh Bachchan was paid Rs 1 lakh, lower than both Dharmendra, who earned Rs 1.5 lakh and Sanjeev Kumar who took home Rs 1.25 lakh.
Hema Malini earned Rs 75,000 for her role as the free-spirited Basanti, while Amjad Khan, who delivered a career-defining performance as Gabbar Singh, was paid Rs 50,000. Jaya Bhaduri, who portrayed the widowed Radha, received Rs 35,000, making her the lowest-paid among the principal cast.
Other notable payments included Mac Mohan (Rs 12,000) for his role as Sambha, Viju Khote (Rs 10,000) as Kaalia, and A.K. Hangal (Rs 8,000) as Imam Saab. Supporting actors like Leela Mishra, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Alankar Joshi, and Major Anand also contributed to the ensemble.
