THE ROLE OF LONG TAKES IN CONTEMPORARY INDIAN CINEMA

The long take is one of the most significant cinematic techniques used to represent time, space, and reality. Unlike rapid editing, long takes allow events to unfold continuously within a single shot, creating a stronger sense of immersion and realism. Contemporary Indian filmmakers have increasingly adopted long takes to enhance narrative depth, character engagement, and observational storytelling. This paper examines the role of long takes in contemporary Indian cinema through selected case studies and theoretical perspectives. The study argues that long takes are not merely technical achievements but powerful storytelling devices that influence audience perception and emotional engagement (Bazin, 1967; Tarkovsky, 1986).

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