Sholay's old movie ticket goes viral, ticket price will leave you stunned

Despite its cult status today, Sholay did not open to instant success when it premiered in 1975.

Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy and starring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan, has left an indelible mark on Bollywood history. It stands as an iconic film with a remarkable journey from initial struggles to monumental success.

As the legendary film celebrates its golden jubilee this year, a fascinating piece of its past has resurfaced—a 50-year-old movie ticket from its early screenings has been making waves on social media, astonishing fans with its unbelievably low price.

Despite its cult status today, Sholay did not open to instant success when it premiered in 1975. The film had its own trajectory, gradually winning over audiences and etching itself into cinematic history. The resurfacing of an old movie ticket has reignited 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 rates for lower stall, middle stall, and balcony seating were so minimal that, in today’s context, they wouldn’t even be enough to buy a bottle of water. This stark contrast highlights how much the cinema experience has evolved over the decades. Today, watching a film in theaters can set a family back by thousands of rupees, with ticket prices, snacks, and beverages making for a costly outing.

Sholay Movie Ticket oF Sapna Talkies, Bombay, 1979 pic.twitter.com/dYCfVFHyHB
TARIQUE (@TariqResearcher) August 1, 2023

As per the photo of the old ticket of Sholay, the prices were:

Lower stall — Rs 1.50 to Rs 2

Middle stall — Rs 2.50

Balcony — Rs 3

Beyond just ticket prices, Sholay was a groundbreaking film in terms of production as well. It was one of the most expensive Indian films of its time, made on a budget of Rs 3 crore—an astronomical figure in the 1970s. Of this, Rs 20 lakh was spent purely on casting. In a later interview, Ramesh Sippy reflected on how, if Sholay were made today, its budget would likely soar to Rs 150 crore, with Rs 100 crore alone dedicated to its star-studded cast.

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Even 50 years after its release, Sholay continues to be celebrated as a milestone in Indian cinema, reminding audiences of its larger-than-life storytelling, legendary characters, and the way it revolutionized Bollywood filmmaking.