Dhurandhar 2 is going to release on March 19 and the Ranveer Singh starrer is in the news also for its long runtime of 3 hours 52 mins. But it is not the first time that any Indian movie has had such a long runtime.
Earlier in the 1960s-70s, 80s and 90s, the Indian audience had been used to watching lengthy movies. Due to the inclusion of songs and iconic scenes, Indian movies have always been known to have a three-hour runtime in the past.
If we go back a few decades, there was a time when the movies would ideally have a runtime of at least 3 hours. It was Mera Naam Joker, starring Raj Kapoor, which had a relatively long runtime of 4 hours or more.
It showed the belief of filmmakers that cinema wasn’t meant to be consumed quickly but experienced fully.
And long runtimes were not seen as a risk but as a creative necessity and in this era it proved true with the first installment of Dhurandhar, which was released in 2025 and had a runtime of 3 hours 34 mins.
Producers and directors felt that longer versions allowed the stories to breathe, characters to evolve, and emotions to linger.
And in the past, Indian cinema has produced many such epics that tested both endurance and engagement over decades. Here's a look at the top 10 movies with the longest runtimes.
On top of the list is JP Dutta's LOC Kargil, which came out in 2003. It ran for over 4 hours and 15 minutes and stands among the longest mainstream Hindi films.
The war drama had an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor.
Though the movie was appreciated for its intent, the length affected its box office performance, and it turned out to be an average performer.
Mera Naam Joker (1970)
Next up is Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker (1970), which ran slightly over 4 hours. The film had Raj Kapoor, Simi Garewal, and Rishi Kapoor in lead roles. The film was a commercial failure upon release and it was largely due to its length. But over the years, the movie has earned a cult status.
Sangam (1964)
Raj Kapoor's other movie, Sangam, released in 1964, was also close to 4 hours. It was a romantic drama starring Raj Kapoor Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar in the lead roles. Sangam was a superhit at its time. According to reports, the theater owners had to introduce two intervals owing to its length.
Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999)
Next in the list is a Sooraj Barjatya movie that came out in the 1990s. Hum Saath-Saath Hain, which was released in 1999, had a runtime close to 4 hours in its extended version. The film had Sooraj Barjatya's favorite, Salman Khan, who was joined by Karisma Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Mohnish Behl and Tabu. The film worked for its family values and music. It was a huge commercial success.
Lagaan (2001)
Ashutosh Gowariker’s directorial venture Lagaan in 2001 had Aamir Khan in the lead. It ran for nearly 3 hours and 45 minutes. Despite the movie becoming a blockbuster and even getting an Academy Award nomination, showing.
Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Indian movies, especially those based on historical subjects, have always leaned into longer formats. Jodhaa Akbar in 2008, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, ran over 3.5 hours. It was a box office hit.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
The same goes with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001); it stretched past 3.5 hours. It had a star-studded cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kajol, and Hrithik Roshan. It was also a global box office success despite its length. The film had many hit songs.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) was originally conceived as a single film exceeding 5 hours. But it was later split into two parts for theatrical release. Both parts combined, it remains one of the longest modern Indian cinematic narratives and achieved both cult and critical acclaim.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Gowariker’s Swades (2004)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999 starring Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan, and Ashutosh Gowariker-directed Swades in 2004, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, had also crossed the 3-hour mark. Both movies did well at the box office.
Top 10 Longest Runtime Indian Movies:
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012, combined) – Approx. 5 hr 20 min
- LOC Kargil (2003) – Approx. 4 hr 15 min
- Mera Naam Joker (1970) – Approx. 4 hr 4 min
- Sangam (1964) – Approx. 3 hr 58 min
- Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999, extended) – Approx. 3 hr 50 min
- Lagaan (2001) – Approx. 3 hr 44 min
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) – Approx. 3 hr 30 min
- Jodhaa Akbar (2008) – Approx. 3 hr 33 min
- Swades (2004) – Approx. 3 hr 30 min
- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) – Approx. 3 hr 8 min
Dhurandhar: The Revenge starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar is going to release on March 19.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
