Sholay 4K Restored Version Screening Cancelled, IFFI To Pay Homage To Dharmendra At Closing Ceremony

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to pay homage to legendary actor Dharmendra during the closing ceremony. The 4K restored version of the star’s movie, Sholay, which was scheduled to be screened on November 26, has been cancelled due to technical issues. The organisation is now going ahead with the special tribute to Dharmendra. The managing director of the IFFI confirmed the news.

The managing director, NFDC, told PTI, “We received the unfortunate news of dharam ji’s passing away on Monday. A minute’s silence was observed at the closing ceremony of the film bazaar as a mark of respect. We will also be paying homage to the beloved legend during the festival’s closing ceremony."

According to a report by HT, after the cancellation of the Sholay screening, the festival will host a special session by the movie’s director, Ramesh Sippy, titled ‘50 Years of Sholay: Why Sholay Still Resonates?’ The special session will be held on November 27. The bike scene from Sholay, displayed in a glass enclosure at the Inox theatre in Panjim since the festival began, has been turned into a tribute to Dharmendra. The scene features Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra riding a bike in the song ‘yeh dosti’.

Also read: When Dharmendra Consumed 12 Bottles Of Alcohol In A Day On Set: ‘Would Sit Behind And Secretly Drink…’

Sholay Re-Release In Theatres

The classic movie Sholay is all set to hit theatres once again. This time, the movie will be featured in a fully restored 4k version titled Sholay-the final cut. The nationwide re-release, slated for December 12, 2025. It marks the film’s 50th anniversary and will be showcased across 1,500 theatres. The reinstatement of the film’s original uncut ending will be screened publicly for the first time in five decades. Apparently, in 1975, the climax was altered due to strict censorship imposed during India’s emergency era. Viewers will be able to watch the real climax of Sholay in 50 years.

Also read: DYK Dharmendra Was Offered To Play Gabbar Singh In Sholay? When Director Ramesh Sippy Spilled Beans About Veteran Actor’s Interest

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 after a brief illness. He was 89 and died just weeks before he could turn 90 on December 8, 2025. His final rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle.