The iconic Bollywood blockbuster Sholay is ready to make waves on the global stage once again, as its meticulously restored version is set to have its world premiere this Friday in Italy. This milestone event will mark a moment of pride not only for Indian cinema lovers but also for global film connoisseurs who admire cinematic legends. The screening will take place at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato festival in Bologna, renowned for celebrating film preservation and restoration.
Originally released in 1975, Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian films ever made. Its powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and genre-defining mix of action, drama, and comedy earned it cult status over the decades. From the haunting villain Gabbar Singh played by Amjad Khan, to the enduring friendship of Jai and Veeru portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, Sholay continues to live on in popular memory.
The new restored version has been a project years in the making, spearheaded by the team at Film Heritage Foundation in partnership with internationally acclaimed restoration experts. Using the original 35mm negatives and state-of-the-art 4K digital technology, the restoration team worked meticulously to clean, colour-correct, and enhance the visuals and sound, while staying true to the essence of the original. The goal was to preserve not just the aesthetic brilliance of the film but also its emotional and cultural impact.
Film Heritage Foundation founder and director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur expressed deep satisfaction over the project, saying, “Restoring Sholay is more than just restoring a film—it’s about preserving a cultural treasure. Its premiere at Il Cinema Ritrovato affirms that Indian classics deserve a seat at the global table of cinema history.”
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The Il Cinema Ritrovato festival is widely regarded as a mecca for cinephiles who value film restoration. The inclusion of Sholay among legendary world cinema titles signifies a growing recognition of Indian cinematic heritage in global film discourse. The screening is expected to draw international filmmakers, historians, critics, and die-hard fans alike.
In a special note, director Ramesh Sippy shared his excitement: “I never imagined Sholay would travel this far again, and in such a beautiful way. Seeing the film brought to life for a new generation, with the kind of attention to detail it has received, is incredibly emotional.”
Notably, the restored version includes carefully preserved sound design, remastered in Dolby Atmos to heighten the film’s gripping action sequences and iconic dialogues. From the clattering train chase in the opening scene to the climactic showdown between Gabbar Singh and Thakur, audiences can expect a cinematic experience that feels both timeless and newly alive.
The world premiere will be followed by a Q&A session with members of the restoration team, and potential plans for a theatrical release of the restored version in India and across other global territories are already being discussed.
For Bollywood fans around the world, this premiere represents not just nostalgia, but a revival. It allows the legendary tale of friendship, revenge, and justice to speak anew in the language of modern cinematic excellence.
As Sholay prepares to once again blaze across the silver screen—this time in the historic theatres of Italy—the spirit of Ramgarh lives on, proving that true classics never fade .