The Bollywood classic film Sholay is set to return to cinemas across India on December 2 with its original ending, nearly 48 years after its initial release in 1975.
Renowned for its gripping story, memorable dialogues, and strong performances, Sholay remains a beloved film among audiences. The cast includes Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Amjad Khan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bachchan.
According to Indian media reports, the film’s original climax had been altered before its 1975 release due to censorship under India’s Emergency, which restricted freedom of expression and imposed strict media controls. In the original ending, Thakur kills the villain Gabbar Singh with spiked shoes, but the released version was modified so that the police arrest Gabbar instead, emphasizing the supremacy of law.
Director Ramesh Sippy stated that the re-release will allow fans to experience the story as originally intended, highlighting the difference between Thakur delivering justice personally and the previous version showing legal authority prevailing.
The re-release is expected to screen on approximately 1,500 screens across India, making it one of the largest releases for a restored classic film. Fans will get the chance to relive their favorite characters and witness the original climax starting December 2.
