50-Year-Old ‘Sholay’ Ticket Stub Goes Viral, Reveals Jaw-Dropping 1975 Movie Prices
A 50-year-old ticket stub from the iconic Bollywood film Sholay has taken the internet by storm, leaving netizens in disbelief over the ticket prices of yesteryears. The viral ticket reveals that in 1975, moviegoers could watch the legendary film for as little as Rs 1.50 to Rs 3, depending on their seating choice. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay has cemented its place as a cult classic, but its journey to success was anything but smooth.
When Sholay was first released in 1975, it faced harsh criticism and empty theaters. Critics had written it off as a flop, leaving the makers disheartened. However, the film’s fortunes turned around just three days after its release when its songs, like Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jati Hai and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, became instant hits. The film went on to break records, becoming the first multi-starrer to achieve such monumental success. Audiences flocked to theaters, standing in long queues for hours just to secure a ticket.
The viral ticket stub showcases the stark contrast between movie ticket prices then and now. In 1975, lower stall tickets cost between Rs 1.50 and Rs 2, middle stall tickets were priced at Rs 2.50, and balcony seats were the most expensive at Rs 3. Today, these amounts wouldn’t even buy a bottle of water, let alone a movie ticket.
The film, made on a budget of Rs 3 crore, was a gamble that paid off handsomely. While the actors’ paychecks were modest by today’s standards, their performances remain unforgettable. Dharmendra, who played ‘Veeru,’ was paid Rs 1.5 lakh, while Amitabh Bachchan earned Rs 1 lakh for his role as ‘Jai.’ Hema Malini, who brought ‘Basanti’ to life, received Rs 75,000, and Amjad Khan, the iconic ‘Gabbar Singh,’ was paid just Rs 50,000.
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Sholay went on to earn Rs 35 crore, making it the highest-grossing film of 1975. It ran continuously in theaters for five years, including an impressive 286-week run at Mumbai’s Minerva Theatre. Even after five decades, the film’s epic storyline, memorable dialogues, and timeless songs continue to captivate audiences, proving that Sholay is truly an evergreen masterpiece.
