One of Bollywood’s most iconic films, Sholay, is back on the big screen.  It has been re-released as Sholay: The Final Cut, marking the 50th anniversary. 

To make its re-release possible, the film was fully restored in 4K version, which hit theatres on Friday, December 12, bringing the 1975 blockbuster back almost three generations later.

Soon after the re-release, social media was flooded with reactions from viewers who watched the film in theatres. Many called it “one of the biggest entertainers”, while others said the experience felt special, especially in the restored format.

A user wrote, "Just watched #Sholay on the big screen and I'm MIND BLOWN! A timeless classic that only gets better with time! Jai, Veeru, Thakur, Gabbar, Basanti, Radha every character is iconic! Undoubtedly, it's The Greatest Film Of All Time!"

Another wrote, "One of the biggest entertainer ko big screen pe dekhne ka alag hi mazaa aaya."

While another said, "#Sholay on the big screen is NOT just a re-release, it's a history lesson! Gabbar, Jai-Veeru ki dosti, aur woh iconic dialogues. Yeh mazaa miss mat karna! #BollywoodNostalgia #SholayReRelease"

The film was earlier scheduled to be screened at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, but the screening was cancelled. According to a Hindustan Times report, the reason was "Technical glitches from the makers' side."

As fans once again demand a sequel, director Ramesh Sippy has made his stance clear. In an interview with Free Press Journal, he said, "Baatein hoti hain iske bare mein, lekin I have never been tempted." He added that with key actors no longer alive, "certainly not Gabbar" could be recreated.

"Personally, I think Sholay should not be attempted again," he added.