'Sholay', released on 15 August 1975, is still counted among the most memorable films of Indian cinema. Starring actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini and Amjad Khan, this film created new meanings of friendship, action and villains. But very few people know that the period of emergency had directly influenced 'Sholay' as well - especially its climax.

On 25 June 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed an emergency in the country under Article 352. It lasted for 21 months and during this time strict censorship rules were imposed on the film industry. Blood stains, liquor bottles, even the number and duration of action scenes were banned. In such an environment, the team of 'Sholay' could not escape the instructions of the censor board.

Actually, in the original climax of the film, Sanjeev Kumar (Thakur) kills Amjad Khan (Gabbar) with his own hands. This scene had already been shot. But the censor board felt that a former police officer taking the law into his own hands during the Emergency would send the wrong message. In those days, it was important for the government to show the 'rule of law'. As a result, director Ramesh Sippy was forced to shoot a new climax, in which Thakur is about to kick Gabbar when the police arrive and arrest him. This change may slightly change the mood of the film's story, but at that time, bowing to censorship was the only option. Since 'Sholay' was released a few weeks after the Emergency was imposed, the team did not want to court any controversy.

Today, as Sholay celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is important to remember that it was not just a film – it was a mirror of the times, which suffered the impact of political situations like the Emergency and yet became immortal in the history of Indian cinema.