Superstar Rajinikanth’s Kabali has a running time of 152 minutes as per the final censored version. In the past 2 decades, apart from Kochadaiyaan, all Rajini films have a run time of over 160 minutes.
Last 10 Rajini films and their runtimes are here - Kabali - 153 minutes, Lingaa - 174 minutes, Kochadaiyaan - 124 minutes, Enthiran - 185 minutes, Kuselan - 165 minutes, Sivaji - 188 minutes, Chandramukhi - 164 minutes, Baba - 178 minutes, Padaiyappa - 192 minutes, Arunachalam - 165 minutes.
A common Rajini fan would want to see his favorite star for at least 180 minutes on screen. ‘Moonu varshuthakku oru padam dhaan varudhu, at least moonu mani neramaavadhu thalaivara paakka mattama’ would be the voice of Rajini fans.
When we contacted KL Praveen, the editor of Kabali regarding the runtime and the impact that it will have, he said, “The runtime of a film is decided only based on what the story demands. We cannot stretch a two and half story into 3 hours. If we do that then critics will bash us for the length of the film.”
On Rajini’s screen time, we heard few rumors that said that Rajini’s introduction scene will happen only after 15 minutes from the film’s start, is that true? If then what would be the screen time of Rajinikanth in a short film like this?
“Rajini sir will be in most scenes. Apart from four scenes, you will have Rajini sir in every frame.”
How satisfied are you with the final content of Kabali?
“The entire team is happy with the content and we are keenly looking forward towards its release.”
