One of the most cherished films in Indian cinema, Sholay (1975), is making a comeback on the big screen. This new version is called Sholay – The Final Cut and includes the original ending and two scenes that were cut from the movie. This is a unique opportunity for fans to witness these moments in cinemas for the very first time.
The film has been beautifully restored in 4K, maintaining its original 70 mm format with a 2.2:1 aspect ratio. The sound has also been revived using the original audio taken from the film’s negative, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.
With the addition of three new scenes, the movie had to undergo another review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). After screening Sholay – The Final Cut on November 24, 2025, the CBFC approved it with a ‘U’ rating. Thankfully, the film did not face any cuts. It has a running time of 3 hours, 29 minutes, and 5 seconds, compared to the original’s 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Interestingly, in the original film, the director Ramesh Sippy had to change its ending due to regulations at the time. The original pivotal scene depicted Thakur, played by Sanjeev Kumar, defeating the villain Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan.
In an earlier interview, Sippy mentioned the challenges he faced back in 1975. He explained, “It was the time of the Emergency, so we didn’t have much room to argue. We had to shoot the ending that aligned with what was acceptable back then.” He expressed his dissatisfaction with the change, feeling that it was a conventional conclusion compared to what he had envisioned.
However, the re-release has raised some concerns among fans. The trailer for Sholay – The Final Cut revealed a controversial change in one of the dialogues, replacing ‘James Bond’ with ‘Tatya Tope.’ This has sparked criticism, including a vocal response from Javed Akhtar, one of the screenwriters, who opposed the alteration.
The upcoming December seems busy for cinemas, as three lengthy films are set to release within weeks. Following last week’s Dhurandhar, which runs for 3 hours and 34 minutes, next week’s Sholay – The Final Cut will debut at 3 hours and 29 minutes. Furthermore, Avatar: Fire And Ash is also arriving with a runtime of 3 hours and 17 minutes.
Exhibitors are preparing for these lengthy screenings, noting that this is a rare situation. One source from the exhibition sector commented, “It’s unusual to have such lengthy films releasing in quick succession. We’re managing now, but it will be a challenge next week when accommodating all three films.”
Overall, fans are eagerly awaiting Sholay – The Final Cut, hoping to experience the classic film in a new light.
