Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], March 4: The 25th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) is set to evoke nostalgia as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of Ramesh Sippy’s iconic film Sholay. To honor the film’s legacy, the organizers of IIFA have planned a special screening of the film at Jaipur’s renowned Raj Mandir Cinema.
Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “IIFA 2025 is not just a celebration—it’s a journey through time, honoring 50 years of Sholay at Jaipur’s iconic Raj Mandir. As we mark IIFA’s Silver Jubilee, we’re celebrating more than milestones; we’re celebrating legends, memories, and the magic of cinema that has touched hearts for generations. Sholay is more than a film—it’s an emotion, a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire storytellers and audiences alike. What better place to honor its legacy than Raj Mandir, a theater that has been a historical sanctuary for movie lovers for five decades?”
He further added, “This tribute is our way of bringing together the soul of Indian cinema with the grandeur of an architectural marvel, creating a moment that will be cherished forever. It’s a historic celebration of cinema and culture. IIFA 2025 promises to be an unforgettable homage to the power of storytelling, uniting film lovers in a celebration of the magic that makes Indian cinema so special.”
Sholay, released in 1975, tells the story of the village of Ramgarh, where retired police chief Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) plans to capture the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) with the help of two small-time criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra). After Gabbar attacks the village, Jai and Veeru discover that Thakur had lost his arms to Gabbar and is seeking revenge. This iconic film starred legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan, and Amjad Khan.
IIFA 2025 will take place in Jaipur from March 8 to March 9, and the special Sholay screening at Raj Mandir is set to be one of the highlights of the celebrations.