Mumbai, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) is poised to present the original conclusion of the legendary film “Sholay,” providing a unique opportunity to witness how this classic was supposed to end before alterations were made.

This restored edition showcases the intense face-off between Thakur and Gabbar Singh, allowing audiences to experience the film in an unprecedented manner. Many may not be aware that when “Sholay” was initially crafted, director Ramesh Sippy had a different vision for the climax, where the antagonist Gabbar Singh (portrayed by Amjad Khan) would meet his demise at the hands of Thakur (played by Sanjeev Kumar).

However, due to pressure from distributors, Sippy was persuaded to modify it to the widely recognized version, where Thakur spares Gabbar and he is subsequently arrested. The original ending, which was filmed, is now set for release, fifty years after the film’s initial premiere in 1975.

The IFFS has announced that the newly restored “Sholay” will be the festival's highlight this October. It will feature the film’s original ending, in which Thakur kills Gabbar, during the event scheduled for October 9 to 11.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange stated, “Presenting the restored Sholay in Sydney is a moment of immense pride for us. This isn’t merely a revival of a classic, but a revival of a piece of our shared cultural heritage. The opportunity for audiences to experience the film with its original ending adds to its significance, honoring Ramesh Sippy’s initial vision in its entirety. Showcasing this landmark restoration at IFFS, alongside stories both timeless and contemporary, truly represents our festival’s dedication to celebrating Indian cinema in all its dimensions.”

Many have long pondered why the original conclusion of “Sholay” was altered. In 1975, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) expressed concerns, asserting that a former police officer could not take the law into his own hands and commit murder. Given the country was under Emergency, the board’s ruling was final. Despite the influence of producer G.P. Sippy, the filmmakers had no option but to comply. The CBFC demanded both a new ending and cuts to several violent scenes.

Frustrated by this decision, Sippy even considered disassociating himself from the film. However, with the release date approaching, he reluctantly agreed to reshoot the climax, resulting in the iconic ending that audiences have come to know. Over two days, the cast returned to film the revised climax, where Gabbar Singh is defeated and taken into police custody. Sanjeev Kumar, who was attending a film festival abroad at the time, flew back to complete his scenes.

The Film Heritage Foundation has restored Sholay, preserving both the original and the theatrical endings.

“Sholay,” directed by Ramesh Sippy, featured Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan. The film became the highest-grossing film in Indian cinema and held that title for over a decade.