India’s iconic film Sholay will once again be shown on the big screen, but this time in a fully restored 4K version titled ‘Sholay – The Final Cut.’ It will be released nationwide on December 12, 2025.
Sholay Returns in 4K: India’s iconic film Sholay will once again be shown on the big screen, but this time in a fully restored 4K version titled ‘Sholay – The Final Cut.’ It will be released nationwide on December 12, 2025. This release also marks the film’s 50th anniversary. The film will be screened in approximately 1,500 theaters across the country. The biggest attraction of this re-release is that audiences will be able to see the film’s original, uncut, and uncensored ending for the first time. This is the same ending that was changed by the Censor Board during the Emergency imposed in India before the film’s release in 1975.
What’s special about Sholay returns?
The film’s production house, Sippy Films, made the official announcement on social media. The post read, “‘Sholay: The Final Cut’ – In cinemas December 12, 2025. Experience the original uncut version for the first time ever, restored in 4k and Dolby 5.1 by Film Heritage Foundation. (sic)” The announcement sparked a wave of excitement on social media. Audiences have been clamoring to see the film’s original ending for years, and now they finally have that chance.
What was the original ending of Sholay?
The film’s original ending, which was previously censored, has been in the news for quite some time. In this scene, Thakur, played by Sanjay Kumar, kills Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with his spike-studded shoes in the original climax. This moment of revenge was shot by director Ramesh Sippy to capture the film’s original emotion and impact. However, the censor board, calling it “too violent,” forced a change before the film’s release. Now, nearly five decades later, audiences will be able to see the same scenes in theaters exactly as the director originally envisioned.
All about Sholay
Sholay has been one of India’s most influential films. Since its release in 1975, it has remained a significant part of Indian pop culture. Although many subsequent films have surpassed it at the box office, it still holds the record for the most-watched Indian film by audiences. In 2025, the film was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received rave reviews from international audiences. Performances by actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan have made it a timeless classic. Now, the new release of ‘Sholay – The Final Cut’ will prove to be a landmark experience for film lovers.
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