Ranabaali’s Runtime Debate: Why the Director Took the Risk

Ranabaali Runtime Explained by Rahul Sankrityan

One of the complaints about Ranabaali since its release has been its lengthy runtime, with some viewers feeling that the film could have been shorter. However, director Rahul Sankrityan believes the length was necessary to build the world of the film.

Starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, Ranabaali was released in theatres on October 16. The film runs for nearly three hours, and some viewers and reviewers feel that around 20 minutes could have been trimmed to make the narrative tighter.

Speaking at the film’s success meet, Rahul Sankrityan said the team took a risk with the runtime because world-building needed more time. He also said that the decision eventually became an advantage for the film.

The runtime continues to draw mixed reactions, with some viewers feeling that the second half could have been shorter. However, Rahul’s comments make it clear that the team believed the extra time was needed to establish the film’s world and tell the story the way they wanted.

“World-buildingకి length అవసరం. ఆ risk తీసుకున్నాం, అదే advantage అయింది.”

#Ranabaali runtimeపై దర్శకుడి కామెంట్. https://t.co/io8D6ZlHq6

— M9 NEWS (@M9News_) October 16, 2026