Anticipation for Dhanush’s upcoming multilingual film, ‘Kuberaa,’ directed by Sekhar Kammula, has been soaring, but its initially reported runtime had become a significant point of discussion among fans and industry insiders. In a recent development, the makers of ‘Kuberaa’ have confirmed that the film’s runtime has been trimmed and subsequently resubmitted to the censor board for a fresh certification.
The film, which also features a stellar cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni and Rashmika Mandanna, was initially certified with a runtime of 195 minutes (3 hours and 15 minutes). This extended duration raised eyebrows, with many questioning its commercial viability, especially for a pan-Indian release targeting diverse audiences. While films with longer runtimes have seen success in recent times (like ‘Pushpa 2’ and ‘Animal’), a 3-hour-plus duration is often considered a risk for mainstream theatrical releases.
Responding to these concerns, the producers have reportedly trimmed ‘Kuberaa’ by 14 minutes. The revised version now stands at 181 minutes (3 hours and 1 minute), which has been sent back to the censor board for re-evaluation. This move indicates the filmmakers’ commitment to delivering a more audience-friendly experience without compromising the narrative’s integrity.
Sources close to the production indicate that the decision to trim the film was made to strike a balance between the depth of Sekhar Kammula’s storytelling and the practicalities of theatrical screenings. Despite the reduction, some fan discussions on social media continue to express reservations about the film’s length, hoping for an even tighter edit.
‘Kuberaa’ has generated considerable buzz, especially after its intriguing teaser garnered a positive response. With the trailer set to release this evening and a grand pre-release event planned for tomorrow in Hyderabad, the film is in its final stages of preparation for its highly anticipated June 20 release. The film, shot concurrently in Tamil and Telugu, also boasts music composed by Devi Sri Prasad and features a strong supporting cast including Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, and Sayaji Shinde.
The final runtime could significantly influence the film’s commercial reception, and all eyes are now on the censor board’s re-certification and the audience’s verdict once ‘Kuberaa’ hits the big screens.