Overview

• An Iranian national newspaper dedicated a full-page feature to Sholay ahead of its 50th anniversary, calling it a “cornerstone of cinematic memory” in Iran.
• The uncut 4K director’s cut premiered at a packed open-air screening during Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna on June 27.
• The Film Heritage Foundation’s three-year restoration, in collaboration with Sippy Films, used rare archival elements to restore the original ending and two deleted scenes.
• Gabbar Singh’s villainous character continues to resonate in Iran, inspiring local performances such as actor Navid Mamza’s portrayal that mimicked the antagonist’s mannerisms.
• Sholay is scheduled for a nationwide re-release in India this August to coincide with its half-century milestone.