Anyone who brings a movie ticket wants to enjoy and have fun. Over the years, it has been a habit for every filmmaker to ensure that they provide entertainment for three hours or less.
The situation has changed today, with people also getting exhausted if the content is not up to the mark. But there have been other titles that managed to keep viewers engaged on the big screen. The reason was a tight screenplay, music, and other elements that did not shift the focus to the events in the surroundings.
So, let’s go ahead and check the list of the longest films in history.
1) Mahatma: Life of Gandhi, 1869–1948
Documentaries are not uncommon. It has helped to delve deeper into the lives of popular figures in history. This one was also included in that list. It focused on bringing everything about Mahatma Gandhi that remains unknown to the general public. The narration was given by Vithalbhai Jhaveri, also the director. It ran for more than five hours to avoid missing the important details. The final runtime was 330 minutes.
2) Gangs of Wasseypur
Anurag Kashyap is an expert when it comes to bringing the dark world of crime and violence. For this one, he accumulated the most versatile actors. The basic premise centered on the rivalry between three families, with specific emphasis on Dhanbad’s coal mafia. Created as a single film of 319 minutes, the makers split the story into two different parts, receiving a positive response. Both entries were released in a gap of two months.
3) Tamas
The consequences of India’s 1947 partition left an impact on the lives of many people. It has been used as a theme in various films. Govind Nihalani also opted for the same topic, showing the conditions of the Hindu and Sikh families that arrived in India during the partition. This one received a direct release on the small screen with a runtime of 298 minutes. However, it was a recipient of three National Film Awards.
4) LOC: Kargil
J.P. Dutta shifted to a completely different genre from Border after five action-drama films. The director also did something unique in terms of casting while he brought the story of the Kargil War to the big screen. Except for the three superstar Khans, J.P. Dutta brought an ensemble cast, aiming to attract audiences. It unfortunately failed to make a huge impact at the box office. The overall runtime was 255 minutes.
5) Mera Naam Joker
Indian film history has witnessed the rise and fall of many people. Raj Kapoor was one of them. Apart from being an actor, he left a positive impression with his directing skills in Sangam. He then returned with Mera Naam Joker. One of the rarest films to have two intervals, Raj suffered heavy losses with its failure at the end of the theatrical run. However, it repeated everything that happened with Kaagaz Ke Phool, becoming a cult classic with a runtime of 248 minutes.
6) Sangam
Compared to the previous title, this one became a big blockbuster. Many elements contributed to the success, specifically the love story involving the characters. An air force pilot is presumed dead and returns alive, only to discover that the girl he was in love with another man, who is the pilot’s best friend. The unexpected, tragic ending with the death of one of the lead characters is remembered until today. The overall runtime was 238 minutes.
7) Lagaan
After Baazi flopped, Ashutosh Gowariker wrote a new story with British rule in India being the main focus. Such films usually feature scenes where Indians are tortured, captured, and forced to suffer the worst conditions. But this was different. The farmers of a village, battling drought and land taxes on time, accept the challenge of a cricket match from a British Indian Army officer to get relieved of the taxes. The novel concept touched the hearts of the audience, and its runtime was 233 minutes.
8) Animal
As mentioned, it is hard to entertain viewers for three hours. But people hardly care about the runtime when Sandeep Reddy Vanga is in the director’s chair. After bringing a different side of Vijay Deverakonda and Shahid Kapoor, Sandeep went to Ranbir Kapoor this time. His vision was clear. Create a dark and violent film, and a massy presentation of RK. The formula worked, with a record opening on a non-holiday as audiences enjoyed for 201 minutes.
9) Mughal-e-Azam
Salim and Anarkali. They have been in the books of history. But they became iconic among film lovers, leading to so many stand-up shows with comedians creating funny acts using the characters. This happened only because Dilip Kumar and Madhubala’s love story brought good news for the box office. A restored version was later created, with the film being changed to color from black-and-white. K. Asif’s cult classic ran for 197 minutes.
10) Saudagar
Subhash Ghai is one of those filmmakers whose works are remembered until today. Saudagar was a different version of Romeo and Juliet. Two individuals fall in love. But they are unaware of the fact that their grandfathers were enemies. A beggar helps the lovers resolve the issues of both sides. With a lengthy runtime of 193 minutes and a hit soundtrack, the action-drama marked Dilip Kumar’s penultimate film before Umesh Mehra’s Qila.
11) Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!
Sooraj Barjatya is an expert in creating the best family entertainers. The director has never focused on glamour or extreme violence. It was a simple story with two popular faces: Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit. The lead characters secretly develop feelings. But the situation takes a different turn after the girl loses her sister. The wedding sequences and emotions attracted viewers. It had a runtime of 206 minutes.
12) Mohabbatein
Yash Raj Films has a history of making some amazing love stories. Raj and Simran had already become iconic. Now, Aditya Chopra opted to create something that would be remembered for years. Three of the lead characters join an all-boys school. It is operated by a strict principal who does not allow the students to fall in love. A former student then returns as a music teacher, helping the other three follow their hearts by going against the principal. The music and grand scale contributed to its success, despite running for 216 minutes.
The list does not end here. Many other titles had a very long runtime. Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay and Shaan created records many years ago. There is also Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, and Kal Ho Naa Ho. Pushpa 2: The Rule has recently emerged as a big blockbuster with 200 minutes.
With various popular directors making plans for big projects, it remains to be seen who will be the next to take a spot among the longest films in history.
