Sholay to be screened at Italy film fest

The Bollywood epic, Sholay, will receive a special 50th anniversary tribute with the world premiere of its fully restored, uncut version at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy.

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Originally released in 1975, Sholay became a cult favourite in Indian cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film featured Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri and Amjad Khan.

The restored version is the result of a three-year collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt Ltd. For the first time, viewers will be able to see the film with its original ending and previously deleted scenes that were missing from the version that was shown in theatres.

Amitabh Bachchan said, “Some things in life remain permanently etched in your mind. Sholay is one such film. Shooting for the film was an unforgettable experience, but at the time I had no idea that it would be a watershed for Indian cinema. It’s wonderful that the Film Heritage Foundation has restored Sholay and that they have managed to locate and include the original ending as well as some deleted scenes in the restoration. I hope that even 50 years later, the film will capture the imagination of new audiences across the world.”

Dharmendra said, “Sholay is the 8th wonder of the world. I am thrilled to hear that the film is being restored and I am sure it will have the same success as it had 50 years ago. Who can forget the dialogues of Salim-Javed and the direction of Ramesh Sippy?.