The Telugu film industry has seen a trend of releasing movies with extended runtimes, followed by hasty edits to trim down their length. While some films have managed to overcome the negative impact of length, others have suffered despite the edits.

Bharateeyadu 2: A Trendsetter's Fall From Grace

The sequel to the 1996 trendsetter Bharateeyudu, Bharateeyudu 2 starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Shankar, arrived with high expectations. However, the audience was disappointed. Unimpressive storytelling, tedious scenes, and lackluster action marred the film's appeal. Despite trimming 20 minutes from its initial three-hour runtime, Bharateeyudu 2 remained a commercial flop.

Mr Bachchan: A Failed Remake

Harish Shankar's Mr Bachchan, a remake of the Bollywood film Ride, faced similar issues. The film, originally intended to be a serious drama about income tax, was transformed into a commercial venture that didn't resonate with the audience. A 13-minute cut was made after negative reviews, but it proved insufficient to salvage the movie's fate.

Cobra and Tiger Nageshwar Rao: Lengthy Flops

Vikram's 2022 film Cobra, with an initial runtime of three hours and three minutes, saw a 20-minute cut due to audience complaints about boring scenes between Vikram and Srinidhi Shetty. Similarly, Tiger Nageshwar Rao, starring Ravi Teja, was initially released with a three-hour and two-minute runtime, but was trimmed by 25 minutes due to mixed reviews. Despite the edits, both movies failed to perform well at the box office.

Satyam Sundaram: When Length Doesn't Matter

The recently released Satyam Sundaram stands as a testament to the fact that a strong script can win over audiences regardless of length. With its original runtime of 2 hours and 57 minutes, the film received critical acclaim. Despite the makers reducing the length by 18 minutes due to audience feedback, some fans were unhappy about the cut, arguing that it removed key scenes from the film.

The Verdict: Script Rules Supreme

These examples demonstrate that while excessive length can alienate viewers, it's not the sole factor determining a film's success. Ultimately, a strong script, engaging content, and novelty are the true keys to captivating audiences. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram and Kalki 2898 AD, both recently released movies, have achieved success through captivating narratives, not simply their runtimes. Perhaps the industry should prioritize crafting compelling stories over chasing lengthy runtimes.