'Sholay' returns to screens in December; will feature original ending
What's the story
The Film Heritage Foundation has confirmed that the 4K restored version of Sholay, titled Sholay - The Final Cut, will be released in India on December 12, 2025. This release will mark the biggest re-release in Indian cinema history, with the film being screened in over 1,500 theaters across the country. The restored version will also feature the original ending of the film for the first time!
Original ending
'Sholay - The Final Cut' to feature original climax
The original climax of Sholay, which was changed before its 1975 release due to censorship during India's Emergency period, will be restored in this new version. In the unaltered ending, Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar) kills Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with his spiked shoes as an act of vengeance. However, the censor board deemed it too violent and forced the makers to change it.
Film's legacy
'Sholay' continues to be a landmark in Indian cinema
Released in 1975, Sholay revolutionized Indian cinema by combining Western elements with action, emotion, and unforgettable characters. Its dialogues and performances have become a part of Indian pop culture. Despite newer films surpassing its box office numbers, Sholay remains the most-watched Indian film ever made, with reportedly over 25 crore admissions globally. It stars Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, among others.