The iconic Bollywood classic Sholay will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the world premiere of a fully restored, uncut version at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. The special screening is set for June 27 at the renowned open-air Piazza Maggiore, known for hosting landmark film events. Released in 1975, Sholay became a landmark in Indian cinema, acclaimed for its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and action sequences. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan, the film turned into a cultural phenomenon.

This restoration is the result of a three-year collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. For the first time, audiences will get to see the film as originally intended, featuring its original ending and deleted scenes that were absent in the theatrical release. In a statement, Amitabh Bachchan reflected on the film’s legacy, calling Sholay an unforgettable experience and a turning point in Indian cinema. He praised the restoration effort and expressed hope that the film would continue to inspire new audiences even after 50 years.

Dharmendra called Sholay the "8th wonder of the world" and reminisced about his role as Veeru, noting it matched his personality. He recalled being offered other roles like Gabbar and Thakur but chose Veeru for its relatability. He fondly remembered iconic scenes like the tanki and temple scenes, and especially Jai’s emotional death sequence. The restoration used rare archival materials from Mumbai and London, with technical support from experts in Italy and the British Film Institute. The final version will be presented in a 2.2:1 aspect ratio with enhanced sound and visuals.