Mumbai | June 26, 2025 | uncut Sholay original version: On June 27, 2025, Bologna’s Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival hosted the world premiere of the uncut Sholay, presenting Ramesh Sippy’s complete vision for the first time since 1975. The 4K restoration adds nearly six minutes of previously excised footage, including the director’s original ending where Thakur executes Gabbar – a dramatic conclusion altered to show police intervention in the theatrical release. The open-air screening at Piazza Maggiore drew emotional responses from audiences and critics alike, with many noting how the restored climax intensifies the film’s emotional payoff.
Uncut Sholay original version: Key Restoration Points
Runtime: 204 minutes (6 minutes longer than theatrical cut)
Source Materials: Two interpositives + color reversal elements
Most Significant Restoration: Original violent climax
Collaboration: Film Heritage Foundation + Sippy Films
Three-Year Restoration Journey
The Film Heritage Foundation collaborated with Sippy Films on this painstaking archival project, combining elements from Mumbai and London archives. Technicians worked with two interpositives and color reversal materials to reconstruct the 204-minute version, carefully restoring both visual and audio elements to their original glory while meeting modern presentation standards. The project sets a new benchmark for Indian film preservation, demonstrating what can be achieved through international archival cooperation and technical expertise.
Cultural Renaissance for Classic Cinema
Bollywood legends Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra celebrated the restoration, acknowledging its importance in preserving India’s cinematic heritage. Beyond Sholay, this project highlights the urgent need to rescue other deteriorating classics from oblivion. The successful restoration may inspire funding for similar projects, potentially leading to rediscoveries of altered endings and deleted sequences from other iconic films. Film festivals worldwide have already expressed interest in screening this definitive version, creating new opportunities for Indian cinema on the global stage.
Preserving Sholay sets a precedent for restoring other classic films. Archives in India often suffer from deterioration and lack funding. This restoration may prompt a revival—restoring original cuts, endings, and deleted sequences.
It also encourages nostalgia-driven audiences and helps films secure festival circuit visibility. With this release, heritage cinema gains new life. Other countries have successfully showcased similar recoveries, boosting cultural diplomacy. As more classics emerge from vaults, audiences will learn that many beloved films were once seen in truncated form.
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