If you’ve ever wondered which Indian movies actually stretch to about four hours, you’re not alone. Long runtimes used to be the hallmark of epic storytelling, especially in historical and mythological sagas. Below you’ll find a rundown of the few films that truly hit the four‑hour threshold, plus a look at upcoming projects that might join the club.
Key Takeaways
- Only a handful of Indian films officially exceed 240 minutes.
- Most four‑hour movies are mythological or historical epics.
- Upcoming directors are flirting with longer cuts, but none have confirmed a full 4‑hour runtime yet.
- Streaming platforms now host many of these long titles, making them easier to binge.
Classic Indian Epics That Cross Four Hours
Below are the films that have officially crossed the four‑hour line. Each entry includes the director, original release year, and where you can watch it today.
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Mahabharat
(1993) - 4hrs30min, directed by R.K.Sheikh, a dramatized version of the Indian epic.
Available on: SonyLIV (Hindi) and YouTube (official clips). -
Shree Kalki Tarak Ram Kumar
(1999) - 4hrs2min, mythological saga directed by G. Venkateswaran.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video (Tamil) with subtitles. -
Brahmarshi
(2002) - 4hrs0min, historical drama directed by Prakash Kumar.
Available on: MUBI (rare‑film collection). -
Karnan
(2023) - 4hrs5min, Tamil biopic directed by Mari Selvaraj, though the theatrical cut was trimmed to 3hrs45min, the director’s cut restores the full length.
Available on: Disney+ Hotstar (Tamil) - director’s cut.
Upcoming Films Likely to Reach or Exceed Four Hours
Filmmakers love to push boundaries, and a few announced projects hint at marathon‑length storytelling. None have locked in a 240‑minute runtime yet, but the early teasers suggest they could end up that long.
- "Mahadev: The Legend" - slated for a 2026 release, this Hindi mythological series is being shot as a single film by director Anurag Kumar. Early reports list a planned runtime of 260minutes.
- "Gautama Buddha - The Enlightened Path" - a multilingual epic from director S. R.Brahman, expected in 2027. The director’s previous work, a 3‑hour documentary, makes a 4‑hour dramatic version plausible.
- "Vijayendra" - a Telugu historical drama by filmmaker N. Raghav, rumored to be a “director’s cut” of 250minutes for streaming platforms.
Keep an eye on official trailers and press releases for final runtime confirmations.
How to Spot a True 4‑Hour Film Before You Press Play
- Check the listed runtime on the streaming service; official platforms rarely misstate minutes.
- Look for “director’s cut” or “extended version” tags - these are the versions that usually push past the 4‑hour mark.
- Read reviews from reputable Indian film critics (e.g., Anupama Chopra, BaradwajRangan). They often call out unusually long runtimes.
- Verify the film’s genre - mythological, historical, or biographical epics are the most likely candidates.
Where to Stream the Longest Indian Movies
Long runtimes used to mean a full‑day trip to the cinema, but today most of these epics are just a click away. Below is a quick guide.
| Movie | Platform | Language | Watch Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahabharat | SonyLIV | Hindi | Full theatrical cut |
| Shree Kalki Tarak Ram Kumar | Amazon Prime Video | Tamil | Extended version |
| Brahmarshi | MUBI | Hindi | Restored classic |
| Karnan (Director’s Cut) | Disney+ Hotstar | Tamil | Director’s cut |
Mini‑FAQ
Are there any Bollywood movies that are exactly four hours long?
Only a couple of Bollywood titles cross the four‑hour mark, and most of them are mythological. The closest is Mahabharat, which runs 4hrs30min.
Why do Indian filmmakers make such long movies?
Epic stories from Indian mythology and history often need more screen time to cover complex plots, large casts, and elaborate set pieces. Audiences historically embraced intermission‑breaks, making a four‑hour runtime acceptable.
Will the upcoming "Mahadev: The Legend" actually be 4hours?
The producers have announced a 260‑minute cut for the theatrical release, but streaming platforms may offer a shorter version. Keep an eye on the official trailer for a final confirmation.
Is it worth watching a four‑hour Indian film in one sitting?
If you love immersive storytelling and don’t mind intermissions, go for it. Otherwise, consider watching the director’s cut in segments - many streaming services let you create a watchlist for each act.
Where can I find subtitles for these long Indian movies?
Major platforms like SonyLIV, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar provide English subtitles for most of the titles listed above. For older classics on MUBI, check the subtitle toggle in the player.
So, whether you’re a fan of mythic battles, royal intrigue, or just love a good marathon, the list above gives you the definitive guide to the few Indian movies that truly stretch to four hours. Keep watching the announcements for 2026‑27 releases - the next epic could be waiting just around the corner.
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