Indian Fans Fume as Sholay's Restored 4k Version Gears Up for Screening in Toronto, Read Why?
During its release in 1975, it shattered box office records to become the highest-grossing Indian film of its time.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-08-12 06:34 GMT
One of the most iconic films in Hindi cinema, Sholay is completing 50 years of its release.
To commemorate the golden milestone, the Film Heritage Foundation, collaborated with Sippy Films, and restored "Sholay" to 4K, with a limited screening.
However, the screening is only going to take place in Toronto, leaving desi fans annoyed.
The Film Heritage Foundation took to social media on Friday, announcing the North American premiere of the restored version of Sholay.
While sharing the poster of the film, the organization said, "Indian cinematic epic ‘Sholay’ (1975), directed by Ramesh Sippy, celebrates 50 years with the North American Premiere of the restored version at the 50th edition of the TIFF Toronto International Film Festival! This special screening will take place on September 6, 2025, at a gala event at the 1800-seater Roy Thomson Hall befitting the legendary status of the film."
The biggest blockbuster of its own time, "Sholay," was inspired by Hollywood cowboy films that starred Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini. The film was directed by Ramesh Sippy, produced by his father G.P. Sippy, and written by the iconic duo Salim–Javed.
During its release in 1975, it shattered box office records to become the highest-grossing Indian film of its time. Although it lost that title a decade later, "Sholay" remains the most-watched Indian film ever, with over 25 crore global viewers.
Meanwhile, in the comment section of the post, fans are demanding its release in India.
A person wrote, "When will it be released in India? This ought to have a countrywide release!"
"Bring it to India!" another user wrote.
A third person wrote, "Show it to us in India too. We must see the Greatest Film of Indian Cinema on the big screens, and what could be a better tribute than watching it during its Golden Jubilee year? I request all the authorities and especially Mr. Ramesh Sippy to give us this priceless opportunity."