New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- The owner of a single screen cinema in Haryana's Yamunanagar was worried even when cinema theatres reopened in 2020 after seven months during the pandemic. Audiences who had binge-watched shows in Indian and foreign languages on streaming services were no longer flocking in like they used to. "Single-screen theatres like mine had viewers come in droves for repeat viewings of the same film. Now we will need a Sholay-like miracle to revive," said the 73-year old who was contemplating closing the theatre he'd run since the 1970s. He did not wish to be named.

Released on 15 August 1975 and directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay remains an iconic action- adventure epic. It had a then unheard-of production budget of Rs.2.5 cror...