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Sholay’s Director’s Cut Debuts in Bologna; India Theatrical Rollout Uncertain

The four-year 4K restoration has reignited calls for an India theatrical release ahead of its TIFF gala screening on Sept. 6.

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Poster of the film Sholay that completes 50 years on August 15
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Overview

  • Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films completed a three-year 4K restoration that reinstates roughly six minutes of footage and the director’s original ending.
  • The restored cut premiered at Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna on June 27 and is scheduled for a gala screening at Toronto’s TIFF on Sept. 6, 2025.
  • No official India theatrical release has been confirmed, prompting appeals from cast members and fans for a domestic rollout.
  • The restoration brings back scenes removed by censors during the 1975 Emergency, fueling debate over historical preservation and presentation.
  • Anniversary reflections from figures such as Hema Malini have highlighted the film’s enduring cultural influence and questioned whether any remake could match its legacy.