MUMBAI: As the countdown begins for the release of Baahubali: The Epic, excitement is running high across India and overseas. The film, an ambitious reimagining that combines Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), is set to hit theatres this Friday as part of the tenth-anniversary celebration of the franchise.
The project is being hailed as a cinematic experiment unlike any other — a condensed, single-feature version of one of India’s most monumental sagas. Trade circles have already reported exceptional advance bookings in the South and in overseas markets, especially among Telugu audiences.
Runtime breakdown revealed
It is widely known that Baahubali: The Epic runs for a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes. However, Bollywood Hungama has now learned the detailed runtime breakdown of both halves.
A trade source told the outlet, “The pre-interval portion of Baahubali: The Epic is 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 33 seconds long. The second half runs for 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 11 seconds, taking the total duration to 3 hours, 45 minutes, and 44 seconds.”
This revelation confirms that the film will maintain a single intermission, despite its extensive runtime.
One interval for a four-hour saga
Historically, long Indian films have occasionally featured two intermissions to give audiences a break. For instance, Sangam (1964), starring Raj Kapoor, had a runtime of 3 hours and 58 minutes and included two intervals. Similarly, Mera Naam Joker (1970) — a massive 4 hours and 15 minutes long — also featured two.
Even in more recent times, Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994) briefly experimented with a dual-interval system during its extended theatrical cut. However, as cinema evolved, this practice faded.
Big-budget films such as Mohabbatein (2000; 215 minutes), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001; 210 minutes), Animal (2023; 203 minutes), and The Bengal Files (2025; 204 minutes) all opted for a single intermission despite lengthy runtimes — a trend Baahubali: The Epic continues.
Condensed version of two blockbusters
When compared to the original films, the new version is significantly shorter. Baahubali: The Beginning had a runtime of 159 minutes, while Baahubali 2: The Conclusion clocked 167 minutes. Together, the two parts totalled 326 minutes, or 5 hours and 26 minutes.
In contrast, Baahubali: The Epic is 225 minutes long, making it approximately 101 minutes shorter than the combined runtime of the originals.
This means the makers — led by visionary director S.S. Rajamouli — have re-edited the narrative into a streamlined format, condensing the monumental two-part saga into one cohesive epic while retaining its emotional and visual grandeur.
A cinematic experiment on a grand scale
Industry analysts are watching closely to see how audiences respond to this experiment. The idea of reintroducing Baahubali as a unified narrative appeals not just to nostalgic fans but also to newer audiences who may have missed the films in theatres during their initial release.
A prominent distributor commented, “This isn’t just a re-release — it’s a celebration of a landmark in Indian cinema. The condensed version will allow viewers to experience the full journey of Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali in one sitting.”
As Baahubali: The Epic returns to the big screen on November 1, it stands as both a tribute to the franchise’s legacy and a bold experiment in cinematic storytelling. Whether the reduced runtime enhances or diminishes its emotional depth remains to be seen — but expectations, much like the kingdom of Mahishmati, are sky-high.