If there’s one classic Hindi movie that is capable of representing Bollywood in all its glory, it has to be Sholay! The 1975 film, directed by Ramesh Sippy, is a cult classic, renowned for its stellar cast, memorable plot, and groovy music. With the film completing 50 years, we thought of guiding you on the shooting locations of this iconic movie. So, relax and keep reading to know more about the iconic shooting locations of Sholay!
Sholay Iconic Shooting Location List: Best Way To Reach, Best Time To Visit, And More!
Ramanagara
To clear it off the bat, Sholay was NOT shot in North India even though the plot was based in the fictional town of Ramgarh, North India! Ramanagara had dusty roads and a village square that easily doubled up as the setting of the fictional Ramgarh. Even if this Sholay movie shooting location looks drastically different than what it was during the filming of the 1975 classic, you can feel a sense of nostalgia as you walk down the lanes and pathways in the village.
Nearest Railway Station: Ramanagaram Railway Station
Best way to reach: Train or bus from nearby cities like Bangalore (approximately 46 km)
Best time to visit: November to March
Ramanagara Railway Bridge
Can you recall that iconic action sequence where Veeru takes on Gabbar’s men near a railway station bridge? Yes, that bridge is also located in Ramanagara, near its railway station. This Shlay film shooting location is still in use and is considered one of the most iconic shooting locations of Sholay. Even today, die-hard fans of this Hindi film visit this bridge and click pictures of and with the bridge. Safe to say that the bridge is a celebrity in its own right!
Nearest Railway Station: Ramanagaram Railway Station
Best way to reach: Train or bus from nearby cities like Bangalore (approximately 46 km)
Best time to visit: November to March
Shree Revana Siddeshwara Betta (SRS Hills)
The rocky terrains of SRS Hills are known for their large, rugged boulders. This served as the perfect setting for the shooting of the movie scenes that needed a more ‘hilly’, ‘rural’ backdrop. This rocky terrain gave the movie its much-appreciated rugged, earthy, sepia-toned aesthetic. Surprisingly even today, the charm of the place has practically remained unchanged. Today, tourists and trekkers as well as locals hike to this place for a little adventure. And during the sunset, the views are just unmatched! You must definitely visit these hills to enjoy a breathtaking sunset, hike to the top, and go on short nature trails here.
Best way to reach: Ramanagara Railway Station (158 km)
Best time to visit: November to March
Savandurga
Just 60 km away from Bangalore is a breathtaking location that featured in some of the most pivotal scenes in Sholay – including scenes where Jai and Veeru ride on horsebacks. Savandurga Hills are known for their lush green views, clear blue skies, and panoramic views of rice fields hundreds of feet below. Savandurga Hills is a great place to enjoy trekking, going on nature trails, and enjoying the sunset.
Best way to reach: Bangalore Railway Junction (60 km)
Best time to visit: November to March
Ramadevara Betta
A significant chunk of the movie was shot at the now famous Ramadevara Betta. This hilly area is known for its grassy patches and craggy slopes. Today, the hills are known as Sholay Hills as an ode to the iconic movie. In fact, even the iconic ‘Kitne Aadmi Thhe?’ scene was filmed here! Ramadevara Betta is now transformed into a vulture sanctuary as a conservation effort for these endangered bird species.
Best way to reach: Bangalore Railway Junction (56 km)
Best time to visit: November to March
Summing Up
Did you take note of these Sholay iconic shooting locations? From Ramadevara Betta to Ramanagara, these locations were extensively utilized to film scenes from the cult classic. These real-life locations were cleverly designed, decorated, and used to add more depth, realness, and authenticity to the movie instead of heavily depending on artificial sets. Even if the film is completing 50 years in 2025, the charm and appeal of the film hasn’t died down at all!
FAQs
What Hill Area Near Bangalore Did The Shooting For The Movie Sholay Take Place In?
Hilly areas like Ramadevara Betta, Savandurga Hills, and SRS Hills were used for the shooting of Sholay. The film was shot here to depict the realness and rural setting of the movie.
Where Is Ramgarh Village Of Sholay Movie Located?
Ramgarh Village was a fictional village in Sholay that was actually shot in Ramanagara in Karnataka!
Why Did Sholay Flop?
Sholay was considered a flop initially because of its lackluster early reviews and poor marketing. However, over the years, the movie has gained a cult status, with many cinephiles claiming it to be one of the best Hindi movies of all time!
