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In the last couple of years or so, the length of feature films has become an important factor to break opening day and weekend records. If the runtime is more than 160 minutes, it becomes difficult for exhibitors to accommodate 5 or 6 shows per screen.
For example, most multiplexes and single screens begin the day with shows starting from 10AM, noon show at 1PM, evening show at 4PM, night show at 7PM and late night show at 10PM. The gap between each show is usually 3 hours, which includes a 5-7 minute interval break and additional time for cleaning and attached theatrical trailers. When a film is longer than 3 hours like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, then exhibitors have to either start the morning show early or cancel one show a day which results in loss of revenue.
One of the reasons why last year's Eid release Ek Tha Tiger managed to break the record of Bodyguard by such a huge margin is because the runtime of the film was just 132 minutes. Even this year's biggest blockbuster Chennai Express too was shorter than most biggies. For these films, exhibitors could easily squeeze in 6 to 7 shows per screen, which results in 20 to 30% more revenue for big budget releases that open to packed houses on Day 1.
Runtime of a few major releases in recent times below. We have also included Rakesh Roshan's last two films Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish.
- Dabangg 2 - 120 minutes
- Ek Tha Tiger - 132 minutes
- Chennai Express - 141 minutes
- Krrish 3 - 153 minutes
- Ra One - 156 minutes
- Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani - 159 minutes
- Koi Mil Gaya - 166 minutes
- Agneepath - 174 minutes
- Krrish - 175 minutes (2006 film)
- Jab Tak Hai Jaan - 176 minutes
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag - 189 minutes
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