'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' to 'Lagaan': Top 5 Indian films with the longest theatrical runtime

Not every film fits neatly into two hours. Some stories are too big, too layered, too ambitious to be rushed. Indian cinema has always understood that, and over the decades, a handful of films have pushed the clock past three, even four hours, and somehow kept audiences glued to their seats. The latest to join this rare company is 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge,' which, according to Sacnilk, carries a runtime of nearly 4 hours, making it one of the longest Indian theatrical releases in recent memory. Wish to know other titles that have the longest theatrical runtime. Just scroll down.

Based on the Kargil War, this epic historical war film holds the record for the longest Indian theatrical release ever, with a runtime of 4 hours and 15 minutes. The film featured a massive ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, and Sunil Shetty, among others, and was directed by J.P. Dutta. Despite its massive runtime, the film was widely appreciated for its authentic portrayal of the soldiers who fought in one of India's most defining military conflicts.

An epic romantic drama that held the record for the longest Indian theatrical title for over three decades despite being a theatrical flop at the time of its release, the film has since gained cult status. Running at 4 hours and 8 minutes, it starred Simi Garewal, Manoj Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, and Dara Singh alongside its director and lead actor Raj Kapoor. The film followed the life of a clown who sacrifices his own happiness to bring joy to others, a deeply personal project for Kapoor that took six years to complete.

One of the first Indian films to be shot abroad in locations including London, Paris, and Switzerland, this romantic musical drama clocked in at 3 hours and 58 minutes. It featured Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar alongside its director and lead Raj Kapoor, and was the longest Indian film before Kapoor's own 'Mera Naam Joker' took the record. The film told the story of a love triangle between two best friends and the woman they both loved, and its songs became some of the most iconic in Hindi film history.

The second part of the massive blockbuster 'Dhurandhar,' the film follows the events of the first installment and carries a reported runtime of 3 hours and 55 minutes, making it the longest Indian theatrical release in recent times. Starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, it is scheduled to release on March 19 as a pan Indian release. Given the scale and ambition of the first film, the nearly four-hour runtime has only added to the anticipation surrounding what promises to be one of the biggest releases of the year.

Set in colonial India, the film follows a group of villagers in drought-stricken Champaner who strike a daring deal with their British rulers. If they win a game of cricket, they pay no tax for three years. If they lose, they pay triple. Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Lagaan' ran for 3 hours and 44 minutes and earned every single one of them. Aamir Khan led the film alongside Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, and Paul Blackthorne. It went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and remains one of the most beloved films the country has ever produced.