Overview
- The CBFC passed Sholay – The Final Cut with a U certificate on November 24 at a confirmed runtime of 209.05 minutes, with no cuts ordered.
- The restoration presents a 4K version in the original 70 mm 2.2:1 aspect ratio with Dolby 5.1 sound and includes the director’s intended climax as well as two deleted scenes.
- Despite posts from Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films claiming a 1,500-screen rollout, industry sources report the film is struggling to secure even 1,000 screens, with Pen Marudhar leveraging its network to book shows.
- Exhibitors warn that three consecutive releases over three hours long in December, including Dhurandhar and the upcoming Avatar: Fire And Ash, will strain programming and capacity.
- A trailer change replacing the line “James Bond” with “Tatya Tope” has drawn public criticism and protest from writer Javed Akhtar, and a planned IFFI screening was reportedly canceled due to technical glitches.