Abhishek Bachchan ‘Can’t Wait’ To Watch Amitabh Bachchan’s Sholay In Theatres: ‘Been A Lifelong Dream’

Ramesh Sippy’s directorial Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra in the lead roles, is one of the most iconic films of all time. The movie is all set to hit the big screen yet again as it is set for a re-release on December 12, marking the film’s 50th anniversary. And guess who is the most excited person about the news of the film’s re-release? It’s none other than Abhishek Bachchan.

Yes, Amitabh Bachchan’s son Abhishek just can’t wait to witness the phenomenon in theatres. Taking to his Instagram, Abhishek shared a poster of Sholay and wrote, “The greatest story never told! Can’t wait to witness Sholay in all its glory on the big screen. I have NEVER seen Sholay on the big screen, only on TV and VHS/DVD. It’s been a lifelong dream.”

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Sholay to Release with Uncut Version

What makes this release historic is the reinstatement of the film’s original uncut ending—screened publicly for the first time in five decades. Ahead of its 1975 release, the climax was altered due to strict censorship imposed during India’s Emergency era. Now, viewers will finally be able to watch Sholay exactly as director Ramesh Sippy intended.

Sippy Films announced the restoration on social media, writing, “‘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.”

About Sholay

Released in 1975, Sholay has long cemented its place as one of Indian cinema’s most influential films. Despite being overtaken by later blockbusters in earnings, it still holds the distinction of being the most-viewed Indian film in history, with its dialogues, characters, and scenes woven deeply into the cultural memory of the nation.

The film’s ensemble, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan, continues to be celebrated for performances that shaped generations of Indian cinema.

Dharmendra Helped Amitabh Bachchan Get Role in Sholay

In an interview with Rajat Sharma, when asked if he was the one who insisted Ramesh Sippy cast Amitabh Bachchan in the film, Dharmendra admitted to it and said, “Mene kabhi kaha nahi, magar ab Amitabh khud kehne lage hain ki ‘ye role mujhe Dharam ji ne dilvaya tha,’ to main kehta hoon ki woh aate the mere paas.” (“I never said this before, but now Amitabh himself has started saying that ‘Dharam ji got me this role’”).