The enduring popularity of the 90s television show, CID, is undeniable. Its recent return has captivated audiences eager to reconnect with their favorite characters. Beyond its impressive run as one of television’s longest-running shows, CID holds several remarkable achievements. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, cast members Shivaji Satam, Dayanand Shetty, and Aditya Srivastava reflected on the show’s legacy, specifically its 2004 Guinness World Record.
When asked about their reaction to setting the record, Dayanand Shetty recalled the year, 2004. Shivaji Satam expanded on this, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the achievement: “Behind this, everybody—not only the three of us; there were more than 100 people involved when this particular episode was shot. Many people were associated, not just the three of us.” Shetty estimated the number to be over 170 individuals. Satam expressed profound pride, stating, “We all have been part of setting an international record. And it’s not only that we are individually proud; we are proud of being Indians who have set a record. We are proud of this particular television media that we have set a record for the media and overall for India. It’s one achievement that we always think about; what have we done in life? It is a significant accomplishment for us.”
Shetty attributed much of the credit to director B.P. Singh’s vision and execution. He explained, “We were just actors. This entire concept was conceived by Singh Sahab. He thought of doing something like this—111 minutes, almost 2 hours—to shoot something without a single cut. For that, you need a skilled cameraman.” He highlighted the camerapersons’ remarkable feat of carrying heavy equipment while the actors remained stationary throughout the lengthy, uncut shot. Shetty praised Singh’s ambition to create something extraordinary and leave a mark on the international stage with the longest single-shot sequence ever filmed. Remarkably, he noted that this achievement received little attention in the two decades since.
The record-breaking episode, “The Inheritance,” from CID season 1, was filmed in a single take on October 8, 2004, and aired on November 7, 2004. Clocking in at 111 minutes without jump cuts or slow motion, this remarkable feat of filmmaking, directed by B.P. Singh, solidified CID’s place in television history.