Sholay 2! When Dharmendra imagined a sequel with Abhishek Bachchan & Bobby Deol returning to Ramgarh to avenge Jai’s death

Sholay was not just a film; it was a revolution in Indian cinema. It holds several historic firsts: the first Indian film made in 70 mm, the first to run in 100 theatres for 25 weeks, and the first to enjoy a run of over five years at Mumbai’s Minerva theatre. Crowned as the “Movie of the Millennium”, it has etched an eternal place in film history.

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Released on August 15, 1975, the cult classic is now set to return to the big screen, restored in 4K and featuring its original climax. As India’s biggest cinematic milestone prepares to rule theatres once again, it’s the perfect moment to revisit an intriguing idea once shared by Dharmendra- his own imagined version of Sholay 2.

The Sequel That Lived in Dharam’s Mind

Journalist and author Roshmila Bhattacharya, in her book Matinee Men, reveals that Dharmendra had once spoken about how he envisioned a sequel to Sholay. According to her, Dharam said the idea struck him almost immediately after the film’s ending.

The original story closes with Jai’s heartbreaking death, Gabbar Singh’s arrest, and Veeru leaving Ramgarh with Basanti. But in Dharmendra’s mind, the narrative didn’t end there- it simply took a new turn.

Veeru, Basanti, and a New Life Away from Ramgarh

In Dharmendra’s imagined continuation, Veeru and Basanti get married and build a life away from Ramgarh. Time passes, and the couple has two sons. In an emotional twist, these boys are brought up by Radha (Jaya), who in the original film silently loved Jai.

This connection keeps Jai’s memory alive at the heart of the sequel’s premise, binding the next generation to the sacrifice of the past.

Casting the Next Generation: Abhishek & Bobby in Ramgarh

Taking his imagination a step further, Dharmendra also had actors in mind for his characters. He felt that Abhishek Bachchan and Bobby Deol would be ideal choices to play Veeru’s two sons. In his version of Sholay 2, the young men would return to Ramgarh to avenge Jai’s death, confronting the shadows of the past and reclaiming their family’s honour. It’s a concept that blends legacy, emotion, and action- very much in the spirit of the original classic.

An Idea That Stays With You

Though Dharmendra never disclosed more details about how the sequel would unfold, the basic idea is compelling enough to fire the imagination. Two sons raised with Jai’s memories, a return to Ramgarh, and a mission of vengeance- all rooted in Veeru’s emotional journey- make this an idea fans love to think about.

Well, this idea pitched by Veeru for the sequel sounds interesting, isn’t it?

Sholay’s Re-Release in 4K: Nostalgia With a Touch of Emotion 

The upcoming re-release of Sholay with its original climax and 4K resolution is a golden chance for today’s generation to experience the film the way it was meant to be seen on the big screen. At the same time, it carries a bittersweet note.

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With the passing away of Dharmendra, Asrani, Amjad Khan and several other iconic actors who helped shape the film with their unforgettable performances, watching Sholay again will be far more emotional. Their presence on screen becomes a powerful reminder of an era of cinema that continues to live on through this epic.