The 1970s gifted Indian cinema with some of its most iconic films, and among them, Sholay remains an undisputed classic. Directed by Ramesh SippyThe film, Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumarand Amjad khanhas cemented its place in Bollywood history. Surprisingly, upon its release in 1975, Sholay was not an immediate success. Sippy had pinned all his hopes on the film, but its slow start at the box office left him considering reshooting the climax to salvage its performance. However, the film gradually gained momentum, driven by its gripping narrative, unforgettable dialogues, and timeless music.
As Sholay celebrates its golden jubilee this year, a 50-year-old movie ticket from its initial screenings has surfaced on social media, sparking widespread amazement. Today, watching a film in theaters can cost a family thousands of rupees, with tickets, popcorn, and beverages adding up to a hefty sum. But back in 1975, the prices were shockingly low:
- Back Stall: ₹1.50 – ₹2.00
- Middle Stall: ₹2.50
- Balcony (most expensive): ₹3.00
Yes, you read that right! A movie experience that now costs a small fortune was once available for the price of a cup of tea today. Gen Z netizens, accustomed to high-priced multiplex tickets, couldn’t believe their eyes!
The production of Sholay was a mammoth undertaking for its time, with a budget of ₹3 crore—an astronomical sum in the 1970s. Out of this, ₹20 lakh was spent solely on casting. In a later interview, Ramesh Sippy revealed that had Sholay been made today, its budget would have soared to ₹150 crore, with ₹100 crore allocated just for the star cast.
The film went on to have an uninterrupted run of five years in theaters and was later honored as the “Film of the Millennium” by BBC India in 1999. Interestingly, some scenes in Sholay featured real bullets! One such instance nearly resulted in a tragic accident when Dharmendra fired a shot that narrowly missed Amitabh Bachchan’s ear.
From Yeh dosti hum nahi todenge to Mehboooba meahbooba, Sholay’s music remains etched in our hearts. The film’s dialogues, characters, and action sequences continue to captivate audiences, proving that true cinematic gems never fade. Even after five decades, Sholay stands tall as a masterpiece that no remake can replicate.
What are your fondest memories of Sholay? Would you watch it again on the big screen if given a chance?
