After 'Apne 2', 'Sholay's' 4K Screening At 56th IFFI Also Cancelled Following Dharmendra's Death?

The entire country is grieving the loss of Bollywood's 'He-Man,' Dharmendra, at 89. The actor passed away a fortnight away from his 90th birthday, leaving his fans absolutely shattered. The star whose legacy goes beyond words was given a silent farewell in the presence of his family and loved ones on November 24, 2025. However, it seems like the heartbreak is not yet over for the fans, as after Apne 2, it has now been revealed that Sholay 4K won't be screening at the 56th IFFI.

Sholay 4K screening cancelled

Dharmendra bid adieu to the world on November 24, 2025, leaving the fans heartbroken. And now, HT City has revealed that the much-anticipated screening of Sholay in 4K won't be taking place at the 56th International Film Festival of India, leaving fans even more heartbroken. In a conversation with HT City, a source revealed that the screening of Sholay 4K has been called off at the festival due to a technical glitch. 

For the unversed, the film's director, Ramesh Sippy, and lead actress, Hema Malini, were expected to walk the red carpet at the International Film Festival India. However, Hema's appearance was already under question given Dharmendra's failing health at that time. And now, the film itself has been pulled back from release. The source was quoted as saying:

"Technical glitches from the makers' side."

Sholay 4K first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 

The remastered version of the iconic 1975 cult-classic, Sholay, had first been screened at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier in 2025. At the time, Dharmendra's son, actor Bobby Deol, walked the red carpet on his father's behalf. The India premiere had been a question ever since, and the announcement of its IFFI screening came as a relief for all cinephiles.

The film has been creating waves among the fans, not just because of the technical restoration, but also since this particular version will have the original ending shot by director, Ramesh Sippy. However, now that the gala premiere has been cancelled, the fans have no other choice but to wait. Sholay will now hit theatres only on December 12, 2025. Meanwhile, Ramesh's session on 50 years of Sholay will take place as scheduled at the film festival. Nonetheless, Hema Malini's presence at the festival now seems highly unlikely.

Anil Sharma has also shelved Apne 2

Anil Sharma, who worked with the late actor, Dharmendra, on seven films, called the veteran’s passing on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, a personal and professional loss. The director, who had planned a sequel to Apne (2007), states that the project cannot proceed "without his idol". The 61-year-old revealed that the script was ready and everything was on track for the film to be made. However, he cannot imagine the sequel without 'He-Man'. In a conversation with HT, Anil stated:

"Apne to apno ke bina nahi ho sakti. Without Dharamji, it’s impossible to make the sequel. Everything was on track and the script was ready, but he left us. Some dreams remain unfulfilled. Without him, it’s not possible!"

Dharmendra's prayer meet to take place this week

Dharmedra's family kept the actor's last rites extremely private. Despite his accolades and legacy, the actor was cremated in the afternoon of November 24, 2025, without State honour or any fuss. While some understood the family's decision, others were left heartbroken. However, now in a conversation with PTI, a source close to the family has revealed that the prayer meet will be held in Mumbai later this week. However, the venue for the same has not yet been decided.

What are your thoughts on the cancellation of Sholay's 4K screening?

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