Restored Uncut Version of Sholay to Premiere in Italy
Fifty years after its original release, the iconic Indian film Sholay is set to have a historic world premiere of its newly-restored, uncut version at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. The screening, scheduled for June 27, will unveil the film as director Ramesh Sippy originally intended, most notably featuring the uncensored, more violent ending that was altered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) back in 1975.
Glimpse into the Director's Original Vision
This restored version is a significant cultural event as it includes the long-unseen original climax, where the character of Thakur finally kills the villain, Gabbar Singh, rather than having him arrested by the police. In addition to this powerful sequence, the print also features other deleted scenes that were removed from the theatrical cut. This premiere offers a unique opportunity for both new audiences and lifelong fans to experience the film in its complete, uncompromised form. The restoration was a monumental three-year-long effort, a collaboration between Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. and the Film Heritage Foundation, which meticulously worked to bring the film back to its original glory.
Challenging Restoration and Reflections from Legends
The process was fraught with challenges. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director of the Film Heritage Foundation, revealed that the original camera negative could not be used and that not a single 70mm print of the film survives. "We have left no stone unturned to ensure that this historic film has been beautifully restored," he stated. For the film's legendary stars, the restoration is a deeply personal milestone. Amitabh Bachchan, reflecting on the film's journey from being declared a flop to becoming a record-breaking blockbuster, said, "I hope that even 50 years later, the film will capture the imagination of new audiences across the world." His co-star, Dharmendra, affectionately called the film "the eighth wonder of the world" and expressed his thrill that a new generation would experience its power.
This grand premiere at Piazza Maggiore is more than just a screening; it is a celebration of a cinematic masterpiece and a testament to the enduring power of Indian cinema. As Shehzad Sippy, producer at Sippy Films, noted, it is a tribute to his grandfather G.P. Sippy's vision and the beginning of a "new lease of life" for one of the most beloved films in history.
Picture Source: Biscoot TV, Sippy Films
