Sholay Reborn: 50th Anniversary Premiere of Restored Classic at Italian Festival

The iconic Bollywood film 'Sholay' is set to captivate audiences once more as it marks its 50th anniversary with a world premiere of its fully restored version. The special screening will occur at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on June 27, at the picturesque open-air Piazza Maggiore, renowned for hosting unforgettable film events.

Released in 1975, 'Sholay' quickly became a cult favorite, treasured for its compelling storyline, vivid characters, and thrilling action sequences. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and starring luminaries like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan, the film evolved into a significant cultural phenomenon. Its restoration is the culmination of a three-year effort between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., now featuring the original ending and previously unseen scenes.

Amitabh Bachchan expressed his sentiments, stating, "Sholay remains indelible in my memory, a transformative piece in Indian cinema. The restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation, with its complete ending and extra scenes, ensures its magic endures for generations." Similarly, Dharmendra heralded 'Sholay' as the '8th wonder of the world,' recalling the film's dialogues and direction. The project, involving rare materials from archives in Mumbai and London and expertise from Italy and the British Film Institute, promises enhanced visuals and restored sound in a 2.2:1 aspect ratio. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)