Sholay, the iconic 1975 blockbuster, has cemented its place in cinematic history. For generations, its unforgettable characters and witty dialogues have influenced pop culture. Now, as the film celebrates its 50th anniversary, fans are in for a treat with a host of new offerings designed to keep its legacy burning bright.
This year, Sholay-inspired merchandise is set to hit the market. A Noida-based toy and games company, Snooplay, has partnered with Sippy Films to create collectibles featuring the film’s beloved characters. Shehzad Sippy, majority stakeholder of Sippy Films, calls it a fresh way to celebrate the film’s enduring appeal. Aanchal Mahajan, co-founder of Snooplay, explains that the merchandise targets the thriving kidult collectibles market, where nostalgia meets modern pop culture.
Expect high-quality figurines of Gabbar Singh, Thakur, and other iconic characters, along with limited-edition collector’s boxes. These aren’t just toys—they’re conversation starters, designed to honor Sholay’s legendary status while appealing to today’s fans.
But the celebrations don’t stop there. A newly restored version of the film is arriving, complete with its original, never-before-seen climax. Back in 1975, the censors forced a change to the ending, deeming Thakur’s violent retribution against Gabbar too extreme. Now, for the first time in India, audiences will witness the uncut finale as originally envisioned.
The restored film recently premiered at Italy’s Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival and is set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), followed by New York and London. Shehzad Sippy confirms a subsequent release in India, giving fans a chance to experience Sholay in its full glory.
Restoring the classic wasn’t easy. The original 35mm negatives were found in unlabeled cans in a Mumbai warehouse, with additional reels discovered in a UK storage facility. Thanks to the Film Heritage Foundation and L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, the painstaking three-year restoration process has finally brought the film back to life.
Adding to the excitement, Ramesh Sippy Entertainment is producing a behind-the-scenes documentary titled ‘The Making of Sholay.’ Scheduled for release later this year, it delves into the struggles and triumphs behind the legendary film. The crew has already interviewed most of the original cast, offering an unprecedented look at the making of a masterpiece.
As if that weren’t enough, Universal Music India is releasing an original vinyl record featuring Sholay’s iconic soundtrack and dialogues—including a never-before-heard song left out of the final cut. The company teases it as a surprise for die-hard fans, keeping details under wraps for now.
From collectibles to restored cinema and rare music, Sholay’s 50th anniversary is packed with surprises. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the film for the first time, there’s never been a better moment to celebrate this timeless classic.