Sholay flashback! Amitabh Bachchan was ready to film Jai’s ‘resurrection’, but Ramesh Sippy stepped in and...

The 1975 cinematic phenomenon Sholay is all set to blaze across theatres once again, this time meticulously restored in 4K and showcasing its once-censored original climax. Though today it stands tall as India’s most iconic film, its early theatrical run painted a very different picture - disappointing reviews, weak collections, and anxious producers scrambling for fixes. The Emergency-era constraints had also forced the makers to alter their intended ending.

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

What the Original Ending Was Meant to Be?

In the version conceived by the makers, the finale was considerably darker, with Thakur personally delivering justice by killing Gabbar. Sholay: The Final Cut now restores this original, intense ending for the big screen.

Yet, beyond this, there existed another dramatic twist that never went beyond planning stages - one that involved bringing back a dead hero.

The Almost-Resurrection of Jai!

Amitabh Bachchan’s unforgettable character Jai dies in the film’s emotional pre-climax. But in a surprising turn, the team seriously considered rewriting this fate. The thought was simple: a happier ending might soften audience reactions and lift box office numbers.

Big B recalled the deliberations, saying, "We discussed what could be done with the film so that it does better. Many people felt that audience was unhappy with my death in the film. There were many sequences in 'Sholay' which were attractive. One was widow remarriage. They felt just when the woman was getting a better life, we removed that with my death."

Dharmendra, who portrayed the spirited Veeru, completed the iconic duo with Jai, and the possibility of reunifying them on screen briefly seemed like a real solution.

Why the Team Hesitated?

Looking back, Bachchan said they initially believed the audience rejection stemmed from seeing him die twice in the same year, as "Deewar", also by scriptwriter duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, had a similar end.

The actor added, "Also, in January same year 'Deewar' where my character had died. There was discussion that I shouldn't have been killed again. So, it was decided that I will be shown alive. It was Saturday. We decided we would go to Ramnagar and reshoot it on Sunday and release the new print on Monday. Equipments for shooting were also ordered but while we were going back after discussion Ramesh Sippy said, 'Let's wait till Monday. Let's see what happens. If it does not workout even then, then it is destiny'. What happened on Monday was extraordinary."

That brief moment of hesitation from director Ramesh Sippy ultimately saved the film from altering its soul - and the rest, as they say, became history.

Why Sholay Lives Forever!

When quizzed about the film’s ageless appeal, Bachchan said the answer still eludes him. Yet he believes that poetic justice, sweeping themes, unforgettable characters, and powerful writing all contributed immensely.

He explained, "Two friends coming together, their friendship, how they discuss their love life and adventure and then being employed by Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar), which was inspired by 'Seven Samurai' and its Hollywood remake 'Magnificent Seven'. Both were successful. The idea of two people employed by Thakur to protect something went really well with the audience."

Related Story: DYK Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan were forced to change Sholay’s climax due to Emergency?

A Film Etched in Indian Pop Culture

Sholay, heavily inspired by Hollywood westerns, took nearly three years to complete and featured an ensemble of giants - Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Asrani, Jagdeep and Sachin Pilgaonkar among others. Its dialogues achieved such legendary status that even the lines spoken by minor characters remain embedded in public memory decades later.