Kalki’s 3 hr+ Runtime – Keep Calm And Trust Nag Ashwin

The much-anticipated film “Kalki 2898 AD” has been certified by the censored board with a U/A certificate. The final approved runtime of 3 hours and 1 minute.

The censor certificate also shows that the film is mostly untouched, with some very minor changes.

Directed by Nag Ashwin, this star-studded futuristic sci-fi magnum opus with elements of puranic lore and dystopia, promises to be a visual and narrative feast, marking a significant milestone in Telugu cinema.

However, the announcement of the film’s runtime predictably raised the eyebrows of many. It is a given in this day and age that people’s attention spans are rapidly deteriorating. The audience is reluctant to pay a visit to the movie theatre and even if they do, they do not wish to be there for long.

Two hours or runtimes in the 130-150 minute range is considered ideal and welcome. Even during this time, people will easily look away from the big screen and distract themselves with their phones, if the movie does not engage them enough. In such an environment, a 180-minute runtime is bound to ring the bells of panic to the average viewer.

But this should not really qualify as a worry for many and there are good reasons for one to actually be relieved. Opting for a lengthy runtime is an uncommon decision which means, when filmmakers actually choose to make a three hour long film, it signifies a film’s ambition and grandeur, which can elevate the cinematic experience.

Kalki 2898 AD is set in a futuristic world, and the additional screen time will enable the director to explore intricate plotlines and expansive settings in greater detail. This ambitious approach reflects a commitment to storytelling that goes beyond the constraints of shorter formats. By embracing a lengthier runtime, filmmakers demonstrate their confidence in the material and their desire to offer viewers a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Another important reason to consider before developing negative assumptions is to understand that many beloved and iconic films are ones that have unabashedly crossed the 180-minute runtime mark. RRR and Baahubali: The Conclusion are a couple of notable examples.

Even Nag Ashwin’s Mahanati had a runtime of 2 hrs and 57 minutes, which goes on to show that he has experience with regards to crafting a long film. Plus, a three hour entertaining film won’t make you feel like you have been sitting in the theatre for a long time while a 1.5 hours or even 2 hours long film can feel like forever. It all boils down to how engaging and entertaining the film is.

Long story short, most spectacle films will demand a lot of time from you but it will demand it rightfully, and provide you with ample opportunities to feel entertainment and wonder and there is enough reason to invest one’s faith in Kalki 2898 AD.