What If Sholay Was Made In 2025? Meet Young Actors Who Could Match Dharmendra-Amitabh As Veeru And Jai

Sholay became one of the greatest films in Indian cinema after its release in theatres on August 15, 1975. Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan's portrayals of Veeru and Jai redefined the meaning of friendship and brotherhood. Their iconic bike moment with the song 'Yeh Dosti' still remains in the hearts of millions and still feels as fresh and lively as ever. Fifty years ago, director Ramesh Sippy brought magic to the screen through his narrative, along with dialogues by the legendary duo Salim-Javed. The film was released with no idea that it would redefine Indian cinema forever. A cinematic revolution and a storytelling benchmark with RD Burman's music, whose echoes still resonate in 2025. Sholay is considered nearly impossible to replicate. 

Many fans believe that a cult classic like Sholay should never be remade, as the original cast's performances and depth cannot be matched. Yet, if it were ever reimagined, one would wonder who could match Veeru's humour and energy and Jai's intense and silent nature. 

Sholay 2.0: Who Could Play Dharmendra And Amitabh Bachchan In Modern Version?

Reimagining Sholay is a tough challenge because replicating the energy of Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan, who set a gold standard with characters Veeru and Jai. Their chemistry, humour, friendship bond and emotional depth are iconic. However, if a modern and young actor duo who could attempt to approach this magic would be Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. Thanks to their real-life friendship that mirrors Veeru and Jai. 

Varun and Sidharth debuted together in 2012 with Student of the Year, and their on-screen chemistry was an instant hit, full of natural, brotherly vibes.

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

Varun As Veeru (Dharmendra)

Veeru, originally played by the late Dharmendra, has that loud, mischievous and goofy energy. Varun Dhawan could fit  perfectly, as he has delivered performances ranging from witty and humorous to emotionally charged characters. He has worked in films like Main Tera Hero, Judwaa 2, October and many others. He can balance humour and intensity just as Dharmendra did in Sholay. Veeru was not just funny but also a relatable, charming action hero. Varun's comic timing and charm make him a strong contender for Veeru's role in Sholay 2.0.

Varun Dhawan as Veeru in Sholay 2.0

Sidharth Malhotra As Jai (Amitabh Bachchan)

Sidharth Malhotra is a good contender to fit the 'angry young man' and quite persona of Amitabh Bachchan's character Jai. In Sholay, while Veeru was energetic and fun, Jai lived in silence, letting his eyes talk with a few words. His one-liners also carried their own charm in the movie. Sidharth has played characters in movies like Ek Villain, Shershaah, Marjaavaan, and Brothers, full of intensity, calm heroism, silent love and suffering. He can bring that same emotional resonance to Jai's character in a modern adaptation. 

Sidharth Malhotra as Jai in Sholay 2.0

Jaideep Ahlawat As Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan)

Gabbar and the dialogue 'Kitne aadmi the?', which still resonates, is meme-worthy. To match Amjad Khan's iconic evil laugh, chilling realism, and commanding presence as a villain, it demands a powerful performer who can exude menace. Jaideep Ahlawat can bring that intensity as a less dramatic but more dangerous criminal mastermind. His acting proves are proofs. His intense gaze, like in Paatal Lok, The Family Man 3 and powerful dialogue delivery, would make Gabbar’s unpredictability truly frightening in a modern version of Sholay. 

ALSO READ: Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan’s Iconic Sholay Returns As ‘The Final Cut’; Release Date Revealed

Jaideep Ahlawat as Gabbar Singh in Sholay 2.0

Manoj Bajpayee As Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar)

Thakur Baldev Singh, a retired, armless policeman seeking revenge from Gabbar with his vengeful plan and intensity. It was portrayed by Sanjeev Kumar. Manoj Bajpayee can perfectly bring  on screen Thakur's authority blended with emotions, bringing a modern touch to it. He would guide Jai and Veeru like a father figure, just like Sanjeev's character did.  It will be interesting to watch Jaideep and Manoj's confrontation as Gabbar and Thakur.