In a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, filmmaker Arul Ajit made a striking observation: “Today, audiences don’t have patience to sit through a film with a long runtime.” His comment, though simple, highlights a significant shift in audience behavior that is reshaping storytelling methods, production strategies, and even marketing approaches in the film industry.
Changing Preferences of the Modern Audience
Gone are the days when viewers would eagerly sit through 3-hour epics filled with elaborate song sequences, multiple subplots, and intermissions. According to Arul Ajit, modern audiences, particularly the younger demographic, prefer compact storytelling with a tighter narrative structure. The rise of streaming platforms, short-form video content, and fast-paced lifestyles have contributed to this trend.
“People today consume content in bursts — reels, short films, and series with episodes under 30 minutes. When they go to the theatre, they want an engaging experience, not something that tests their patience,” Ajit remarked.
The Impact of OTT Platforms
The explosion of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and others has revolutionized how content is consumed. Viewers are now used to on-demand entertainment where they can pause, skip, or binge-watch at their convenience. This habit has conditioned them to expect stories that are more concise and focused.
“There is a clear difference between what the audience wants now and what they accepted 10 years ago,” said Ajit. “Long runtimes only work when every minute truly adds to the experience. Otherwise, people disconnect quickly.”
This shift has prompted many filmmakers to trim their scripts, edit more sharply, and avoid indulgent scenes that don’t serve the story. Arul Ajit believes this is a healthy development, as it pushes creators to respect the audience’s time and intelligence.
Examples from Recent Films
Several recent films with shorter runtimes have outperformed longer films at the box office. For instance, thrillers and comedies under 2 hours have shown excellent repeat value and word-of-mouth marketing. On the other hand, some big-budget films with excessive runtime have received criticism for dragging unnecessarily, regardless of their visual grandeur or star power.
Arul Ajit pointed out that “a film like Drishyam (both parts) is a great example of economical storytelling. It respects time, keeps the audience hooked, and never loses grip on the narrative.”
Does This Mean the End of Long Films?
While the trend is clearly favoring shorter runtimes, Ajit was quick to clarify that long films are not entirely obsolete. He said, “If the story truly demands it, like a historical or epic saga, people will watch. But it has to be worth their time. There’s no room for fluff anymore.”
Big films like RRR, Baahubali, and Oppenheimer have proven that when the content is compelling, audiences will still sit through lengthy runtimes — but such cases are the exception, not the rule. What matters most is how engaging the narrative is, not just its length.
Storytelling in the Age of Short Attention Spans
Ajit’s comments reflect a broader cultural phenomenon: shrinking attention spans. With mobile phones, endless apps, and continuous notifications, modern life demands faster, more direct content. This impacts how stories are written, edited, and even how trailers are cut.
“We live in an age where the first 10 minutes decide whether a viewer stays or walks away — whether it’s a film, a series, or a YouTube video. That’s the reality we work with now,” said Arul Ajit.
Conclusion
Arul Ajit’s insights underline a major transformation in how films are consumed in the digital era. As audience preferences evolve, the industry must adapt not just in terms of technology, but in the very craft of storytelling. While some may see the decline of long films as a loss of depth or grandeur, others, like Ajit, view it as an opportunity to sharpen the art of filmmaking.
In the end, it’s clear that in today’s cinema, “less is more” — and respecting the audience’s time may just be the key to capturing their hearts.
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