Outdoor film magic: 50 Years of Sholay – free open-air screening in Mississauga
On October 3 2025, you’re invited to a spectacular free open-air screening of Sholay at Mississauga Celebration Square, starting at 6:00 PM. Join fellow fans for an unforgettable celebration of one of Bollywood’s most iconic films in a vibrant outdoor setting complete with a nostalgia-filled photo booth, special trivia rounds, surprise spots and a joyful community atmosphere, hosted by celebrated Indian actor Sachin Pilagaonkar.
Organized by the Indo‑Canadian Arts Council, whether you’re watching Sholay for the first time or the fiftieth, this night promises a collective ride through Ramgarh with Jai, Veeru, Basanti, the legendary Thakur and the unforgettable villain Gabbar Singh.
Who is Sachin Pilgaonkar and why he features
Sachin Pilgaonkar has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades as an actor, director, producer and singer. He began as a child-artist in Marathi cinema and later appeared in over sixty Hindi and Marathi films as a lead actor. His presence at this event adds a special shine: Sholay is a cornerstone of his filmography, and his participation bridges generations of Bollywood devotees. Having him attend the screening elevates the night from just movie-watching to a meaningful salute to cinema history.
Sholay’s cultural legacy and its relevance today
The 1975 film Sholay is more than just a box-office blockbuster — it became a cultural phenomenon, launching dialogues, characters and music that still live in the everyday vernacular of India and the diaspora.
Scholars and critics note that Sholay redefined Indian popular cinema by combining genres, crafting unforgettable characters and creating an enduring mythos.
Fifty years on, its appeal has only broadened: the camaraderie of Jai and Veeru, Basanti’s spirit, Gabbar’s menace and the film’s themes of friendship, justice and rebellion continue to resonate across cultural and generational lines. In a North American immigrant context, Sholay offers a shared cultural touchstone — a film that families re-watch, quote and pass down. This screening, organised by the Indo-Canadian Arts Council, turns a communal story into a live gathering of shared memory.
Sholay at the Toronto International Film Festival
As part of its 50th-anniversary TIFF Classics program, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) selected Sholay (1975) for a gala screening, underscoring the film’s enduring impact on world cinema.
This milestone screening at TIFF offers diasporic audiences in Toronto a special opportunity to revisit one of India’s greatest cinematic achievements.