What was the initial budget of Sholay, and how did it compare to other films?
At the time of its release, Sholay had the highest budget ever for an Indian film, estimated at around ₹3 crore. This significant investment reflected the film's ambitious scope, including its star-studded cast and elaborate production values. However, despite these high expectations, the film initially struggled at the box office, leading to early perceptions of failure. In comparison to other films of its time, Sholay's budget was unprecedented, setting a new standard for future productions. Its eventual success demonstrated that high budgets could yield substantial returns, influencing the financial strategies of subsequent filmmakers in the industry.