Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar has expressed anger after an iconic dialogue from the cult‑classic film Sholay was altered in its upcoming re‑release, Sholay – The Final Cut. The film, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is set to return to cinemas in a remastered 4K version with the original ending restored.
The controversy centres on one of the most beloved lines in the film. In the original, the character Basanti says to Veeru, “Bade nishaanchi lagte ho” (“You seem quite a sharpshooter”), and Jai responds, “Haan, James Bond ke pote hain yeh” (“Yes — he is the grandson of James Bond”). In the new version, the line has been changed to refer to the Indian freedom fighter Tatya Tope instead of James Bond.
Akhtar, who co‑wrote the original screenplay, expressed his dismay, pointing out that neither he, his co‑writer Salim Khan, nor director Ramesh Sippy were consulted about the change. He emphasised that the dialogue is iconic and cherished by generations of fans, and that such alterations cannot be made lightly.
The re‑release aims to give audiences the version of the ending that the writers had originally intended before changes were made decades ago. Along with the dialogue alteration, the film will feature restored visuals and an enhanced soundtrack.
Fans and purists have reacted strongly to the change, arguing that it undermines the nostalgia and integrity of the classic. Many have voiced concerns that altering such a famous line could affect the way the film is remembered, while others feel that creative reinterpretations may be acceptable for modern releases.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the balance between preserving a classic and introducing updates for a new audience. While excitement for the theatrical comeback of Sholay is high, the debate over the dialogue change has added a controversial edge to the film’s re‑release.
As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond. For now, the dialogue change has reignited conversations about artistic control, respect for original work, and the loyalty of devoted fans.
