Sholay, one of Bollywood’s most loved classics, is returning to cinemas in a historic way. The film will re-release across India on December 12, 2025, in a fully restored 4K version titled Sholay: The Final Cut. This special edition celebrates the film’s 50th anniversary and brings audiences a version of the movie that has never been shown before in theatres.
The restoration has been completed by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films. The team used advanced technology to present director Ramesh Sippy’s complete vision with 4K visuals and Dolby 5.1 sound. This upgrade aims to give both new viewers and long-time fans a fresh big-screen experience.
What makes this release even more historic is the inclusion of the film’s original ending. This climax was removed during the Emergency era because it was considered too violent. In the restored version, Thakur finally kills Gabbar Singh using spiked shoes. This ending changes the emotional impact of the movie and allows audiences to see the story the way it was originally intended. The scene has remained unseen for nearly 50 years, making its return one of the biggest highlights of the re-release.
Sholay: The Final Cut will open on almost 1,500 screens across India, making it one of the widest releases ever for a restored Indian classic. The scale of the release shows how strongly the film continues to connect with audiences over generations.
Before coming to Indian cinemas, the restored version premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was later screened at the Indian Film Festival in Sydney. These international screenings received warm responses and proved that Sholay still holds global cultural value.
As the film completes 50 years, this re-release offers a rare chance to see Sholay in its purest form. With its original climax restored, sharper visuals, and enhanced sound, Sholay: The Final Cut promises a powerful and nostalgic experience for movie lovers.
