Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy revealed how India’s Emergency in 1975 necessitated changes to Sholay’s climax. While censors aimed to curb violence, the released version, where police intervene before Thakur Baldev Singh could kills Gabbar, was well-received. The film was recently showcased at Toronoto International Film Festival after being restored in 4K version.
The film was recently showcased at Toronoto International Film Festival after being restored in 4K version
“At that time, 1975, when the film was released, there was an Emergency on,” Sippy recalled. “So, it was not very easy to have a showdown with the information ministry or the censor board. Therefore, we had to accept the verdict.”
In the original ending, Thakur Baldev Singh, played by Sanjeev Kumar, kills Gabbar Singh, the menacing dacoit portrayed by Amjad Khan. However, the version released in theaters had a different resolution. “Now when people see the original, I’m sure they like that as well,” Sippy said. “There’s not that much of a difference. It’s just that Thakur Baldev Singh gets his vengeance at the end and kills Gabbar. And in the version released the last 50 years, he has to stop when the police officer comes in and tells him that you are yourself a law officer. So, it’s not right to take the law in your hand and kill Gabbar.”
Reflecting on both versions, the filmmaker concluded, “That worked just as well with the audiences.” Nearly five decades later, Sholay continues to inspire discussion, proving why its story, performances, and moral dilemmas remain etched in Indian cinema’s collective memory.
