Sholay’s Original Ending Returns at IFFS 2025

Sydney: Nearly 50 years after its original release, Bollywood classic Sholay (1975) will be screened with its rarely seen original ending at the Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS). The festival runs from October 1 to 9, showcasing both classic and contemporary Indian cinema to Australian and international audiences.

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay stars Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan. The festival screening will feature the director’s intended climax, which was previously altered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In the released version, Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) captures Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) alive. Sippy’s original vision showed Thakur killing Gabbar in a brutal act of revenge.

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The alternate ending remained unseen for decades, becoming a subject of debate among film historians and fans. The remastered print promises enhanced visuals and sound while preserving the classic 1970s feel. Festival organisers expect the screening to appeal both to nostalgic viewers and to a younger generation discovering the epic for the first time.

The IFFS has highlighted films that have significantly shaped Indian cinema, making Sholay with its restored ending a centrepiece of this year’s programme. The screening offers a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the film as the director originally intended.

Tickets for the Sholay screening at the Indian Film Festival of Sydney are available through the official festival website. The restored film is expected to draw large crowds and reignite discussions about its cinematic legacy.