‘Sholay’ Returns: 4K Restoration to Premiere at Bologna Film Festival

The timeless classic ‘Sholay,’ featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, will be screened in a restored 4K version at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on June 27, 2025. The action drama, directed by Ramesh Sippy, will be presented in its uncut form, showcasing the original ending and deleted scenes previously unseen by a wider audience. The special screening, a collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films, will take place in Piazza Maggiore. Amitabh Bachchan reminisced about the film’s initial journey and subsequent success, calling it a milestone in Indian cinema. Dharmendra described ‘Sholay’ as a cinematic masterpiece and highlighted its memorable scenes and characters. The original release of ‘Sholay’ was on August 15, 1975 and starred a cast including Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Asrani, and Mac Mohan. This re-release of the film celebrates its enduring impact and its historical importance in Indian film history.