Restored “Sholay” Set for Golden Anniversary Premiere in Italy
The iconic Bollywood film “Sholay” will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a world premiere of its restored, uncut version. The screening will occur at Italy’s Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival, offering a fresh opportunity to experience this cinematic masterpiece.
A Cinematic Landmark Reborn
The 1975 action-packed movie, directed by Ramesh Sippy, will be shown on the open-air screen in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore. This screening marks the first time the public will see the film’s original ending and many deleted scenes, which were cut from the widespread theatrical release. The movie artfully combines various genres, including action, thriller, revenge drama, comedy, and tragedy, all set to an outstanding musical score.
Star Power and Story
The narrative, by the legendary Salim-Javed duo, depicts a former police officer, Thakur Baldev Singh, enlisting two rogues, Veeru and Jai, to capture the notorious dacoit Gabbar Singh. The star-studded cast features Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan as the villainous Gabbar Singh.
The legendary Bollywood epic “Sholay” will receive a fitting golden anniversary tribute when its fully restored, uncut version gets its world premiere at Italy’s @CinemaRitrovato Festival on June 27.
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— Variety (@Variety) June 4, 2024
“Some things in life remain permanently etched in your mind. ‘Sholay’ is one such film,”
—Amitabh Bachchan
According to recent data, Indian cinema’s global box office revenue reached $1.8 billion in 2023 (Statista), showcasing the enduring appeal of Indian films.
Preservation Challenges and Triumphs
The restoration involved a three-year partnership between Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. The restoration team primarily used interpositives from London and Mumbai due to the deterioration of the original camera negative. The team even consulted veteran cinematographer Kamlakar Rao, who had worked on the original film, to determine the correct 2.2:1 aspect ratio for the 70mm-intended picture.
The premiere at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival is expected to attract thousands of cinema enthusiasts from around the world. The meticulous restoration pays tribute to the enduring impact of “Sholay” on Indian cinema, a film that has left a lasting impression.
