Sholay original climax returns to the big screen after five decades. The 1975 Bollywood classic, directed by Ramesh Sippy, will be shown at the Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) with its rarely seen ending. The screening runs from October 1 to 9, with Sholay as one of the festival’s highlights.
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan, Sholay became a milestone in Indian cinema. But audiences only saw the edited ending after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) forced a change. In the released version, Thakur Baldev Singh captures Gabbar Singh alive and hands him to the police.
The director’s darker vision, however, had Thakur killing Gabbar in revenge for his murdered family. This alternate ending was never part of the theatrical release. For years, it sparked debates among film fans and critics. With this festival screening, Sholay original climax returns to give viewers a chance to witness the story as Sippy first intended.
The remastered print promises better visuals and sound while keeping the aura of a 1970s epic. Organisers expect nostalgia among older fans and curiosity among younger viewers.
IFFS this year focuses on films that shaped Indian cinema’s identity. By including Sholay with its restored climax, the festival highlights its lasting cultural and emotional impact. Nearly 50 years later, the film continues to unite audiences across generations.
