New Delhi, June 3 -- Films that run for three hours or more are making a comeback in Indian cinemas, reversing years of efforts by filmmakers and multiplexes to keep runtimes lean and maximise screenings.

From the two-part Dhurandhar franchise and Animal to recent releases across Malayalam and Marathi cinema, filmmakers are increasingly planning longer formats as they build larger cinematic universes and immersive storytelling experiences.

Industry executives said the shift reflects changing audience behaviour, with viewers already accustomed to binge-watching long-form storytelling on OTT platforms, increasingly associating longer runtimes with scale and value for money.

"Filmmakers today are building larger cinematic universes, deepe...