Ramesh Sippy’s iconic film Sholay, released in 1975, is making waves as its movie ticket goes viral. The ticket is garnering attention not only for its price but also as the film celebrates its 50th anniversary. As the milestone is commemorated, details of its affordable ticket prices and notable production highlights resurface, emphasizing its lasting legacy in Indian cinema.
Indian cinema was gifted with some of its most iconic films in 1975. Among them, Sholay remains an undisputed classic which still produce goose bumps on 70-80’s child. The film was directed by Ramesh Sippy. Film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan, in which after cemented its place in Bollywood history.
Surprisingly, Despite its cult status today, Sholay did not open to instant success when it premiered in 1975. Sippy had pinned all his hopes on the film, then gradually winning over audiences and etching itself into cinematic history. As Sholay witnessed slow start at the box office, sippy considered of 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 it’s 50th anniversary, a photo of an old movie ticket has resurfaced in the social media, reigniting discussions about how much times have changed, particularly when it comes to the cost of watching films in theaters. Back in 1975, ticket prices for Sholay were remarkably affordable. The prices for the lower stall, middle stall, and balcony seats were so low that, by today’s standards, they wouldn’t even cover the cost of a bottle of water. This stark contrast highlights how much the cinema experience has evolved over the decades. Now here is a glimpse of the ticket and it’s price:
Back Stall: ₹1.50 – ₹2.00
Middle Stall: ₹2.50
Balcony (most expensive): ₹3.00
Sholay Movie Ticket oF Sapna Talkies, Bombay, 1979 pic.twitter.com/dYCfVFHyHB
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The details above may shock you, as we all know how much a movie outing can cost us now. 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.
What Would The Budget Be If Sholay Was Made Today?
Sholay was one of the most expensive Indian films of its time, with a budget of Rs 3 crore—a staggering amount in the 1970s. Out of this, Rs 20 lakh was spent just on the cast. Reflecting on its legacy, Ramesh Sippy once mentioned that if Sholay were made today, its budget would likely skyrocket to Rs 150 crore, with Rs 100 crore alone going towards its star-studded cast.
