‘Sholay was labeled a failure by the press,’ Ramesh Sippy reflects on the tough criticism as the film returns to theaters after 50 years.

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Sholay’s Historic Re-release: A Look Back

Fifty years after its original release, *Sholay*—featuring legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan—returns to theatres with its original ending that audiences never got to experience. Director Ramesh Sippy reflects on the initial harsh criticisms the film faced, emphasizing how it was largely dismissed before being recognized as a classic.

Ramesh Sippy Recalls Harsh Early Criticism

During a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Sippy shared memories of the brutal initial verdicts. He recalled that “newspapers declared *Sholay* a flop,” citing concerns over the film’s high investment and speculating that such extravagant productions could ruin the industry. However, just five weeks post-release, critics reversed their stance, admitting they were mistaken.

The Financial Risks of *Sholay*’s Production

Sippy acknowledged that the doubts cast by trade experts were not unfounded. Initially budgeted at ₹1 crore, the film’s costs ballooned to ₹3 crore—equivalent to around ₹100 crore today. When the film’s opening weekend turned out to be unexpectedly quiet, the industry celebrated rather than sympathized. “The industry was happy,” Sippy said, emphasizing the widespread concerns that the film’s scale could destabilize the business.

Censorship Challenges During Production

Alongside skepticism, Sippy faced the challenge of censorship. The film’s climax was altered under pressure from the censor board. He explained, “I had to reshoot the climax because the board insisted a police officer couldn’t kill a criminal,” forcing him to return to Bangalore to shoot an entirely new ending. During this era of Emergency, questioning authority was implausible.

The Original Ending at Last

Now, five decades later, Sippy has successfully restored the original ending he envisioned. “In the re-release, we will show you the original ending. I felt terrible when they asked me to change it. Why should the censor tell me how to make my film?” This release finally allows audiences to see Sippy’s true artistic vision.

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