Fans of the Hindi cult classic "Sholay" gathered at Regal Cinema in Colaba for a special screening of the 1975 blockbuster, rekindling the magic of a film that has endured nearly 50 years.
The one-time-only event, organised by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), featured a vintage 70 mm cinemascope print of the movie, drawing an enthusiastic crowd.
The atmosphere inside the 1,000-plus-seater theatre was electric, with fans cheering iconic dialogues and actor entrances. For many, it was a nostalgic experience. "I feel as if I’ve time-travelled," said one fan. "The vintage print gives an old-school experience. The viewers are enthusiastic, and the excitement is palpable."
"Sholay," written by the legendary duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, better known as Salim-Javed, and directed by Ramesh Sippy, remains a cornerstone of Bollywood cinema.
Its memorable characters, from Jai and Veeru to the villainous Gabbar Singh, have become ingrained in Indian pop culture, with fans continuing to quote its dialogues and mimic its action sequences.
Prior to the screening, Salim-Javed addressed the eager audience. "When we wrote this script, we had no idea it would be such a big film," Akhtar said.
He added that the movie’s multi-starrer cast evolved organically as the screenplay developed, contributing to its enduring appeal. "There’s some magic, and that magic isn’t just created by us—it’s somewhere between us and the audience."
The event attracted a diverse crowd, including an elderly couple who reminisced about their love for the film, and a mother introducing her 10-year-old son to "Sholay" for the first time. "It’s an evergreen movie," she said.
Veteran projectionist Mohammed Aslam Fakih, who operated the 70 mm projector for the screening, shared his excitement. "I’m thrilled to see the public enjoying every moment of the movie," he said.
The screening, which celebrated both the film and its writers, was also attended by filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, who expressed her gratitude to FHF founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur for restoring the old print. "I’m so happy we are celebrating the writers," she said.
The event coincided with the release of Prime Video’s docuseries "Angry Young Men," which chronicles the influence of Salim-Javed on Hindi cinema and their role in crafting some of the most iconic characters of the 1970s.
In attendance were several Bollywood luminaries, including filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, alongside actors Aditya Roy Kapur and Kunal Roy Kapur.
The screening was co-organised by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media and Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, who also produced the docuseries.
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