Mumbai, Aug 31 (PTI) The timeless charm of “Sholay” was vividly brought back to life during an extraordinary screening that left fans singing “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Chodenge” and erupting with cheers at every iconic dialogue and character entrance. This special event served as a powerful reminder of why this Hindi cult classic has resonated so deeply with audiences for nearly five decades.

The Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving cinematic history, hosted this exclusive one-time screening of the original 70 mm cinemascope print of the 1975 blockbuster. As the clock struck 6:00 PM, fervent admirers formed long lines outside Colaba’s Regal Cinema, eager to experience the magic anew.

“Sholay,” penned by the legendary writing duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, known as Salim-Javed, and directed by Ramesh Sippy, remains a monumental film in Bollywood’s annals. The movie’s lasting influence on Indian pop culture can be attributed to its unforgettable characters—Jai, Veeru, Thakur, and the fearsome Gabbar Singh—and its plethora of memorable dialogues and action-packed sequences.

Inside the theatre, which boasts over 1000 seats, the atmosphere was electric. Fans relished the opportunity to watch the classic in its original format, expressing their excitement through loud cheers and applause. One enthusiastic fan remarked, “It feels like I’ve stepped back in time. The vintage print offers a truly nostalgic experience, and the audience’s energy is infectious. This is an unforgettable moment.”

The film features an ensemble cast of Bollywood icons, including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, A K Hangal, Asrani, Iftekhar, Jagdeep, Keshto Mukherjee, Leela Mishra, Mac Mohan, and Viju Khote.

Before the screening commenced, the legendary writers Salim-Javed addressed the excited crowd, who greeted them with thunderous applause and whistles. Javed Akhtar noted, “This kind of reception is rare for writers.” He expressed deep gratitude towards the audience and reflected on how the movie’s unexpected multi-starrer nature contributed to its success. “When Salim Sahab and I wrote this script, we had no idea it would become such a big film. As we developed the screenplay, it gradually dawned on us that we could incorporate many stars because the roles demanded it. This organic growth is perhaps what makes it so special,” Akhtar explained.

Akhtar credited the audience for their enduring love for the film and its characters. “Few films like ‘Godfather’ or ‘Gone With The Wind’ have characters remembered for so long. The list of memorable characters in ‘Sholay’ after nearly 50 years is extensive,” he said. “There’s a certain magic created between us and the audience. Thank you for appreciating this film.”

The screening saw a full house with fans spanning all age groups eagerly awaiting to revisit this timeless masterpiece. Among them was a heartwarming sight—an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand to enjoy their favorite movie once again. “We are thrilled to watch ‘Sholay’,” they shared.

Moon, another attendee who brought her 10-year-old son along, shared her excitement: “I’ve seen ‘Sholay’ at least ten times. This is the first time my son is watching it because I want him to connect with it just as we did. It’s an evergreen movie.”

Veteran projectionist Mohammed Aslam Fakih expressed his joy at showcasing “Sholay” at Regal Cinema for the first time. “Back in those days, we didn’t have a 70 mm screen here; we mostly screened English films at Regal. I watched ‘Sholay’ in Kurla then. Showing it here now is thrilling and seeing the public enjoy every moment is very fulfilling,” Fakih said.

Akhtar also thanked FHF founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur for his efforts in restoring old films. Post-screening, he remarked, “This film has endured through the years and will likely continue to do so. Even today, it doesn’t feel outdated. Hats off to the director.”

The special screening coincided with the release of Prime Video’s docuseries “Angry Young Men,” which chronicles Salim-Javed’s monumental impact on Hindi cinema and their creation of some of the most iconic characters of the 1970s.

Zoya Akhtar also expressed her gratitude to Dungarpur for restoring the old print of “Sholay,” saying, “I’m so happy we are celebrating the writers.”

The event was organised by FHF in collaboration with Salman Khan Films, Excel Media and Entertainment by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, and Tiger Baby by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti—who also produced the docuseries.

Notable attendees included filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, and actors Aditya Roy Kapur and Kunal Roy Kapur, making this a truly star-studded affair. PTI KKP RB AMS