Box Populi
Cinépolis marks Sholay’s 50 Years with 4k big-screen return
MUMBAI: Cinépolis India is bringing Sholay back to cinemas for its golden jubilee, giving one of India’s most beloved classics a fresh chance to charm audiences five decades after its release. The 1975 blockbuster returns to select Cinépolis theatres on 12 December, presented in its original uncut, newly remastered 4K format.
The re-release carries a touch of poignancy for fans as legendary actor Dharmendra (Veeru to millions) remains in the thoughts of audiences across the country. Cinépolis joined film lovers in wishing him strength and good health during this milestone moment.
“Sholay occupies a very special place in the hearts of Indian audiences, and it is a privilege for Cinépolis to bring this landmark film back to cinemas for its Golden Jubilee,” said Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat. “We hope this brings warm memories for many and creates new ones for those watching it for the first time.”
For 50 years, Sholay has been stitched into India’s cultural fabric. From Gabbar’s immortal “Kitne aadmi the?” to the evergreen camaraderie of Jai and Veeru, the film remains a rare title that bridges generations: one grandparents, parents, and teenagers recognise instantly. Its return offers families the chance to experience the magic together, many for the very first time on the big screen.
The revival also arrives at a moment when Indian audiences are rediscovering the joy of collective movie-going, with classic re-releases becoming a nostalgic yet fresh way to reconnect with the films that shaped their childhoods.
Cinépolis India, the country’s first international cinema exhibitor, currently operates 487 screens under Cinépolis, Cinépolis VIP and Fun Cinemas. Known for innovations such as Cinépolis VIP luxury auditoriums and Cinépolis Junior for children, the chain continues to expand its footprint while keeping the moviegoing experience at the heart of its brand.
MUMBAI:If there is a soundtrack to cinema-going, it is the crackle of popcorn and in 2025, audiences at Cinépolis India clearly couldn’t get enough of it. The multiplex chain has revealed its annual popcorn consumption data, showing that moviegoers across its network devoured close to five million tubs of popcorn last year. Broken down, that works out to around 570 tubs every hour, or roughly 10 tubs disappearing every single minute, enough to keep the kernels popping almost non-stop.
In sheer volume terms, Cinépolis sold around 12,000 tonnes of popcorn during the year, underlining just how central the snack has become to the big-screen ritual. Long after the opening credits roll and before the end credits fade, popcorn remains the constant companion.
To celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 19, 2026, the cinema chain is now turning the spotlight on the snack itself. From January 20 to January 31, Cinépolis will run a nationwide “Popcorn Happy Hour”, offering a buy one get one free deal on popcorn across its locations. The limited-period promotion is designed to add a little extra crunch to the moviegoing experience, without adding to the bill.
“Popcorn is the official movie partner, and at Cinépolis, it is the sensory anchor of the cinema experience,” said Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat. “With the Popcorn Happy Hour offer, we are making it easier for audiences to add that to their visit, without compromising on quality.”
Sampat added that the consumption data is more than just a fun statistic. Tracking what patrons buy and when they buy it helps the chain refine its food and beverage offerings and shape the overall in-cinema experience. “Our 2025 data helps us understand what patrons are choosing, so we can keep improving the menu and the experience,” he said.
The popcorn push sits within Cinépolis India’s broader Foovies framework, an in-house strategy that treats food and beverages as a core part of cinema-going rather than a side order. The approach focuses on curated menus, value-led campaigns and data-driven decisions, using consumer behaviour to guide what lands at the concession counter.
As theatres continue to compete not just with streaming platforms but with every other leisure option vying for attention, the numbers suggest one thing remains rock-solid: when the lights dim, popcorn still rules the aisle. And with millions of tubs already behind it, Cinépolis is betting that the humble kernel will keep audiences coming back for another bite and another show.
