How Sholay Overcame a Slow Start to Become India’s Most-Watched Film

It is said that Sholay—arguably the biggest hit in the history of Indian cinema—sold over 20 crore tickets in its various runs in India, and millions more overseas. This feat made it the most-watched Indian film ever for decades. But the advent of cable TV and the internet changed the game. Now, viewership is also measured in TRPs, streaming minutes, and YouTube views—criteria that have, quite unexpectedly, made a box office bomb the most-watched Indian film in history.

Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay arrived with sky-high expectations. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and featuring a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan, the action drama was then India’s biggest and most expensive film.

However, its opening weekend was far from spectacular. Early reviews were harsh—critics found the film too long, and audience turnout was disappointing. Industry insiders feared that Bollywood’s magnum opus might flop.

What changed everything was word of mouth. Audiences who saw the film were captivated by its storytelling, characters, and cinematography, leading to repeat viewings. Slowly, Sholay gained momentum.

By its fourth week, it transformed from a struggling release into a box office juggernaut. Theatres that had reduced its shows reversed course, increasing screenings. Notably, the Minerva Theatre screened Sholay continuously for over five years, turning it into a sensation.

The film’s emotional arc—between Jai and Veeru, the tragic Radha, and the menacing Gabbar Singh—resonated deeply. Coupled with Salim-Javed’s iconic dialogues, R.D. Burman’s memorable music, and pioneering 70mm film with stereophonic sound, Sholay redefined cinematic success. It went on to become the highest-grossing Indian film of its time and remains one of the most-watched ever.