After films like Dhurandhar, Animal and Pushpa 2 showed that longer runtimes can still draw crowds, several upcoming projects appear keen to follow the same formula. These films proved that strong content can hold audience attention despite extended screen time.
Border 2 is now expected to run for around three hours and 20 minutes. Earlier, such lengthy films were seen as risky, but recent box office trends suggest viewers are open to longer narratives if the storytelling stays engaging.
With Animal, Dhurandhar and Pushpa 2 performing strongly, Sunny Deol aims to carry the momentum forward. Border 2 is expected to combine emotional depth with war-driven action, hoping to justify its long runtime through scale and intensity.
The makers believe the extended duration is necessary to establish a deeper connection with viewers. With four major actors, Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, adequate screen time for each role is seen as crucial.
While Dhurandhar and Animal benefited from long runtimes, doubts remain about Border 2 sustaining interest for over three hours. Some feel Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty still need to prove their box office pull at this scale.
Sunny Deol’s screen presence remains a key strength, but modern audiences have evolving expectations. Whether he can hold viewers for such a long duration will only be clear after release.
With Border 2 aiming to capitalise on the Republic Day holiday and a four day weekend, attention is firmly on its January 23 release and how audiences respond.
