Dhurandhar becomes longest Hindi film in 17 years and fuels strong pre release buzz

Dhurandhar, now recognised as the longest Hindi film in 17 years, has intensified pre release buzz across the industry. The unusually long runtime has sparked mixed reactions, with debates around audience attention spans, theatre economics and whether a lengthy narrative can still attract mass viewership.

A rare runtime that challenges modern theatrical trends

The main keyword runtime drives the key discussion around Dhurandhar. At over 3.5 hours, the film stands out in an era where directors increasingly opt for compact storytelling to suit modern viewing behaviour. The last Hindi films with comparable length belonged to a different cinematic period when slow build narratives were widely accepted and theatrical windows were longer. Today, shorter runtimes help theatres increase the number of shows and allow producers to maximise occupancy during opening weekends.

Dhurandhar’s creators argue that the story’s scale demanded extended screen time and that trimming it would compromise narrative depth. This decision positions the film as an artistic exception rather than a commercial experiment. Industry observers note that large scale historical or action dramas sometimes justify longer formats if the pacing remains tight and the screenplay avoids unnecessary drag. The film’s editing choices will therefore be closely scrutinised once audiences experience the final cut.

Audience expectations and evolving content consumption habits

A secondary keyword audience behaviour shapes the second major talking point. Viewers today are accustomed to fast paced content designed for streaming platforms. This shift influences how they perceive long theatrical releases. Successful recent examples show that audiences are willing to invest time if the content delivers emotional payoff and strong visual appeal. Films with high repeat value, strong fan bases or event like appeal have historically succeeded even with extended runtimes.

Dhurandhar’s promotional campaign targets this sentiment by emphasising scale, cast strength and cinematic intensity. If early reviews highlight gripping storytelling, the long runtime may become an attraction rather than a deterrent. However, any weakness in pacing can intensify negative word of mouth because viewers today quickly compare films to fast moving OTT alternatives. The marketing strategy therefore focuses on building a narrative that the film is an immersive experience designed for the big screen.

Theatre economics and show scheduling challenges

Theatre economics form another critical factor. A longer runtime directly reduces the number of shows that can be screened per day. This limits opening weekend revenue potential unless the film draws exceptionally strong footfall. Multiplex chains often prefer shorter titles because tighter schedules allow them to run more shows across multiple screens. Distributors must negotiate screen allocations that balance exhibitor interests with the film’s commercial ambitions.

If Dhurandhar generates strong advance bookings, theatres may allocate premium slots despite the extended length. Conversely, a slower start could lead to reduced screens within days. The film’s opening weekend performance will therefore determine its trajectory more sharply than shorter releases. Producers appear confident that pre release momentum will translate into demand, but the final outcome will depend on audience response within the first 48 hours.

Social media discussions and early controversy

Buzz around the film includes emerging controversies. Discussions on social media point to concerns about whether the film’s portrayal of certain historical themes or characters might polarise viewers. While no major disputes have surfaced, even minor disagreements can escalate quickly in the current digital environment. Creators have maintained that the film respects cultural sensitivities and remains loyal to factual context, but online speculation continues.

Social conversations also question whether the long format is a creative indulgence or a genuine artistic requirement. Some users appreciate the ambition, comparing it to epic storytelling traditions, while others doubt whether audiences will remain engaged throughout. These divergent reactions have amplified awareness and may indirectly boost initial viewership as audiences want to evaluate the debate themselves.

Historical context and comparison with earlier long format films

Placing Dhurandhar in historical context helps explain its significance. Earlier long format Hindi films often included elaborate songs, extended drama arcs and interconnected storylines. Over the years, editing styles changed and scenes became more compact, with a stronger focus on maintaining narrative speed. By choosing a long format, Dhurandhar reopens a debate about whether today’s directors can successfully revive traditional cinematic structures.

Comparisons with classic epics suggest that length alone does not determine impact. Execution, pacing, performances and thematic depth matter more. If Dhurandhar delivers on these fronts, it could spark renewed interest in longer theatrical storytelling. If it fails, it may reinforce industry preference for tighter runtimes. The outcome will influence future decisions about narrative structure in big budget films.

Takeaways
Dhurandhar stands out as the longest Hindi film in nearly two decades.
Audience behaviour and modern consumption patterns will shape its commercial performance.
Theatre economics add pressure because fewer show slots affect early box office numbers.
Pre release debates and online discussions have increased awareness and curiosity.

FAQs
Why is Dhurandhar’s runtime considered unusual today
Modern films prefer shorter lengths to suit viewer preferences and theatre schedules. Dhurandhar’s extended runtime breaks this trend and positions the film as a large scale cinematic event.

Will the long runtime affect box office performance
It may reduce the number of daily shows, but strong demand can offset this limitation if early word of mouth is positive.

Is the controversy around the film significant
Most discussions are speculative and based on assumptions about narrative themes. No major dispute has impacted the film’s release.

Can long format films succeed in current times
Yes, if storytelling, pacing and visual appeal are strong. Audience willingness to watch long films depends on overall execution.