Sholay Turns 50: London Film Festival Celebrates India’s Cinematic Masterpiece with Restored Screening

Updated: October 08, 2025 07:19

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The 69th BFI London Film Festival is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ramesh Sippy’s iconic film Sholay with a special screening of its restored director’s cut. Featuring the original ending and deleted scenes, the event honors the film’s enduring legacy and its impact on Indian and global cinema.

As Sholay marks its golden jubilee, the London Film Festival is paying tribute to one of India’s most legendary films with a grand celebration. The 1975 classic, directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Salim-Javed, is being showcased in a newly restored version that brings back the original ending and lost footage.

Here are the key highlights from the event:

- Special screening at BFI IMAX
The restored version of Sholay will be screened on October 19, 2025, at the BFI IMAX—the UK’s largest screen—offering audiences an immersive experience of the film’s grandeur

- Restoration by Film Heritage Foundation
The 4K restoration was led by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films and L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory. It includes the original climax and several deleted scenes that were previously censored or lost

- Director’s cut unveiled
For the first time, viewers will witness Ramesh Sippy’s full vision, including the original ending where Thakur exacts revenge on Gabbar Singh—restored after decades of censorship edits

- Star tributes from Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra
Amitabh Bachchan, who played Jai, expressed his joy at the restoration, calling the film “a watershed moment for Indian cinema.” Dharmendra shared nostalgic memories, revealing he was initially offered the roles of Gabbar and Thakur but chose Veeru for its relatability

- Cultural significance revisited
The screening underscores Sholay’s influence on Indian cinema, from its genre-defining “curry western” style to its unforgettable dialogues and characters. It remains the highest-grossing Indian film of its time and a cultural touchstone

- Global audience engagement
The event aims to introduce Sholay to new international audiences while rekindling nostalgia among longtime fans, reinforcing its place in cinematic history

This celebration not only honors a film but also the legacy of storytelling, performance, and cinematic innovation that continues to inspire generations

Sources: BFI London Film Festival, Outlook India, CNBC TV18