Mumbai: Mumbai’s Regal Cinema was abuzz with excitement as fans gathered to experience the magic of the 1975 Bollywood classic “Sholay” in its original 70 mm cinemascope format. Organised by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), the special one-time screening of this iconic film brought together a diverse crowd eager to relive the timeless story that has captivated audiences for nearly 50 years.
A Nostalgic Experience
The atmosphere inside the 1000-plus seater theatre was electric. From singing along to “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Chodenge” to cheering every iconic dialogue and actor’s entry, fans embraced the nostalgia and celebrated the film that has become an integral part of Indian pop culture.
A fan, sharing his excitement, said, “I’m feeling as if I have time traveled. The vintage print truly gives an old-school experience. The viewers are enthusiastic and cheering excitedly. Truly an unforgettable experience.”
The Magic of Sholay
“Sholay,” directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by the legendary duo Salim-Javed, remains one of the most celebrated films in Bollywood history. The film’s memorable characters—Jai, Veeru, Thakur, and the infamous Gabbar Singh—along with its iconic dialogues and action sequences, have etched themselves into the hearts of millions.
Addressing the audience before the screening, Javed Akhtar, one half of the iconic writer duo, expressed his gratitude and reflected on the film’s unexpected journey to becoming a multi-starrer blockbuster. “It was not planned to be a multi-starrer film; perhaps that’s the beauty of it. It had an organic growth,” he said.
Akhtar credited the audience for their continued love and appreciation, noting that the film’s magic is a result of a unique connection between the creators and the viewers. “There’s some magic and that magic is not created just by us. It is somewhere between us and the audience,” he added.
A Full House of All Ages
The screening attracted a full house at Regal Cinema, with audiences spanning all age groups, eager to revisit the cinematic masterpiece. Among the attendees was an elderly couple who walked hand-in-hand to the screening, expressing their excitement for watching their favourite film on the big screen once again.
Another attendee, Moon, brought her 10-year-old son to introduce him to the film that she had seen countless times. “This is the first time I’ve got my son to watch it because I wanted him to connect with the movie, the way we did. It’s an evergreen movie,” she said.
Veteran projectionist Mohammed Aslam Fakih, who showcased “Sholay” at Regal Cinema for the first time, shared his excitement. “I’m very happy to see the public enjoying every moment of the movie,” he told PTI.
Honouring the Legacy
The screening was a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of “Sholay” and its creators. Javed Akhtar thanked FHF founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur for his efforts in restoring old films and ensuring that classics like “Sholay” continue to be celebrated.
Zoya Akhtar, who was also present, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m so happy we are celebrating the writers.” She thanked Dungarpur for restoring the old print of “Sholay,” allowing a new generation to experience the film in its original format.
The screening was organised in collaboration with Salman Khan Films, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Media and Entertainment, and Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s Tiger Baby. The event also saw the attendance of prominent industry figures such as filmmakers Vikramaditya Motwane, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, and actors Aditya Roy Kapur and Kunal Roy Kapur.
The special screening came shortly after the release of Prime Video’s docuseries “Angry Young Men,” which chronicles the unparalleled influence of Salim-Javed on Hindi cinema and their role in crafting some of the most iconic characters of the 1970s.
A Timeless Classic
As the credits rolled and the lights came up, it was clear that “Sholay” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences, even after nearly five decades. The film’s ability to resonate with viewers of all ages is a testament to its timeless appeal and the extraordinary craftsmanship of its creators.
For those who attended the screening, it was not just a movie—it was a journey back in time, a celebration of a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time and will likely continue to do so for many more years.
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