Sholay's Lost Ending Returns After 50 Years!

Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy has announced that the iconic film 'Sholay' will be re-released with its original, unaltered ending after five decades. The intended climax, depicting Thakur killing Gabbar Singh, was changed in 1975 due to censor board objections. Sippy expressed his joy at finally restoring the film to its original vision, stating, "Now you will see the movie as it was made." This revelation came during an "In-Conversation" session at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Sippy also reminisced about the film's distinctive visual setting, opting for the rocky terrains near Mysuru and Bengaluru instead of traditional dacoit film backdrops. He detailed the casting process for the memorable villain Gabbar Singh, noting that Amjad Khan was chosen over Danny Denzongpa, who had prior international commitments. The writers Salim-Javed initially proposed the concept to Manmohan Desai, who declined, but producer G.P. Sippy and Ramesh Sippy recognized its potential.

The session honored the film's legendary cast, including late actors Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan. Sippy recalled Dharmendra's dedication during a challenging horse-riding scene. He emphasized 'Sholay's' groundbreaking craftsmanship, including hiring a professional fight team from the UK and the meticulous cinematography for key scenes. The enduring legacy of 'Sholay,' further celebrated with the exhibition of its iconic motorbike at IFFI, continues to resonate.