Veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, known for his strong opinions and unfiltered remarks, has recently voiced his concerns regarding the trend of excessively long runtimes in contemporary films. In an interview conducted by 14 Reels Plus, the actor questioned the rationale behind movies stretching beyond three hours, often without substantial narratives to justify their length.
"Nowadays, we are seeing films that run beyond three hours... there's no story," Balakrishna stated, highlighting his bewilderment at how a single plot point is often unnecessarily extended. He further added, "They take one small point, and it is stretched for three hours or even more than a three-hour film. I don't understand why. When big films arrive, there is huge expectation behind them".
Balakrishna's comments come at a time when his latest film, "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam," is slated to release. The film, directed by Boyapati Sreenu, is a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster "Akhanda". Ironically, "Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes. However, the release of "Akhanda 2" has been postponed due to "unavoidable circumstances," believed to be related to ongoing legal proceedings involving the production house.
Despite the runtime of his own film, Balakrishna defended the length of "Akhanda," stating that it possessed a strong and unique storyline that warranted the extended duration. He explained that the film's larger-than-life narrative and core theme of good versus evil necessitated additional runtime. He also recalled the fear surrounding the release of "Akhanda" during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the film's success gave them courage.
Balakrishna's film journey spans 50 years, beginning with his debut in 1974 with "Tatamma Kala". He has been recently honored at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa for his contributions to cinema. At the event, he also took a subtle dig at actors who rely heavily on technology, preferring green screens over actual sets, and declared himself as "original".
"Akhanda 2: Thaandavam" is directed by Boyapati Srinu and stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi, and Kabir Duhan Singh. The film is produced by Raam Achanta and Gopichand Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner. According to the filmmakers, the sequel will be a grand cinematic spectacle, with a narrative that balances action, emotion, and spirituality. The film aims to explore the values of Sanatana Dharma.
Nandamuri Balakrishna's critique of lengthy film runtimes adds to the ongoing debate within the film industry about balancing artistic expression with audience engagement. While some filmmakers prioritize comprehensive storytelling, others argue for tighter narratives that respect viewers' time. His comments have sparked discussions among film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
