Thakur Strikes Back: Sholay’s Restored Climax Stuns Global Audience

The 1975 Bollywood classic Sholay made a grand return to the silver screen on June 27, 2025, when its restored, uncut form was screened for the very first time at the upscale Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. The under-the-stars screening at the city's historic Piazza Maggiore was timed with the film's 50th anniversary and was well-attended by an international audience that had sold out tickets.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Original Ending Restored: The original ending of the movie where Thakur kills Gabbar Singh, censored during India's Emergency, was seen for the first time by audiences when restored. The restored version also has six minutes of unseen footage.

Three-Year Restoration Process: Shot under the aegis of the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., the restoration involved the acquisition of rare film elements from the UK and India, and was completed at the world-renowned L'Immagine Ritrovata lab in Bologna.

Director's Reflections: Ramesh Sippy, who attended the premiere, recalled the film's failure in its initial run and later cult following. "We never thought it would be what it was," he responded.

Cultural Milestone: In its unforgettable characters—Jai, Veeru, Thakur, and the legendary Gabbar Singh—Sholay remains the bedrock of Indian cinema. The restored version will help to keep its legacy alive for generations to come.

Audience Reaction: Fans lingered late into the evening, applauding the craftsmanship and cinematic beauty of the picture. "It was a childhood memory revived—except sharper, richer, and stronger," claimed Shivendra Singh Dungarpur of the Film Heritage Foundation.

 

Sources: The Daily Pioneer, News24, Outlook India