The highly anticipated trailer for “Sholay: The Final Cut” has been released, heralding the global theatrical debut on December 12, 2025, coinciding with the film’s 50th anniversary festivity.
For the first time ever, viewers will experience a newly restored uncut edition of Ramesh Sippy’s iconic 1975 film, enhanced in stunning 4K resolution and featuring Dolby 5.1 audio. The trailer introduces the tagline “The Greatest Story Never Told,” highlighting its status as one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films—an entire generation has yet to witness this complete version.
The narrative centers around Thakur Baldev Singh, a retired police officer who recruits two small-time misfits—Veeru and Jai—to capture the infamous bandit Gabbar singh, who wreaks havoc in the village of Ramgarh.
A Classic Reimagined
This preview emphasizes the legendary camaraderie between Jai and Veeru, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, alongside Sanjeev Kumar’s poignant performance as Thakur.it also features Hema Malini as the delightful Basanti, jaya Bachchan as Radha with her understated strength, and Amjad Khan’s unforgettable portrayal of Gabbar Singh. The release of this trailer carries additional emotional weight following recent losses within its cast members Dharmendra and Asrani; thus making this re-release a heartfelt homage to their contributions.
“This is a important moment that finally allows ‘Sholay’ to be seen exactly how it was meant to be experienced,” remarked Shehzad Sippy from Sippy Films. “This version includes not only the original ending but also an updated soundtrack composed by R.D. Burman. I am eager for audiences to enjoy it on the big screen for the first time.”
The restoration process was made possible through a three-year partnership between Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films that culminated in its world premiere at Italy’s Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival last June. This event marked an vital milestone—the public viewing of an alternate ending where thakur confronts Gabbar Singh directly rather than having him apprehended by law enforcement—a change enforced by India’s Central Board of Film Certification during a politically charged era in 1975.
Crafted by renowned writers Salim-Javed, “Sholay” artfully intertwines Western cinematic influences from directors like Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa with uniquely Indian storytelling elements.
Despite its modest initial reception upon release on August 15, 1975—running for an notable five years at Mumbai’s Minerva cinema—the film dominated box office charts for nearly two decades thereafter.In fact,a poll conducted by the British Film Institute in 2002 recognized it as possibly India’s greatest film ever made; additionally,BBC India named it “Film of the Millennium” back in 1999.
Watch the trailer here: