• Suresh Joachim (centre) celebrates after setting a new record for continuously watching movies. Picture: THYS DULLART

  • Some of the contestants being put to the test. Picture: THYS DULLART

  • Some of the contestants take a group photo. Picture: THYS DULLART

SOUTH African Sheetal Vallabh emerged the winner on Sunday at Telkom’s Guinness Book of World Records movie marathon at The Sheds in Newtown, Johannesburg.

However, it was Canada’s Suresh Joachim who set a new record for continuously watching movies, with only 10 minutes between movies for shower, toilet or nap breaks. The contestants were warned not to look aside for more than 10 seconds or close their eyes as this would disqualify them.

The biggest loser was Thulisile Madyo, who declined her place shortly before the competition started on Tuesday afternoon and was replaced by Louis Marx.

Joachim holds a new record of 121 hours 18 minutes, beating the previous 120 hours 23 minutes set by India’s Ashish Sharma. This event should have come with a "do not try this at home" warning. The things people do for fame. I love movies and we have movie marathons at home from time to time, but sacrificing sleep is non negotiable.

Vallabh, 20, said it was tough at the beginning but seeing other contestants giving up drove her enthusiasm. "I’m a competitive person by nature and that’s what drove me," said Vallabh.

"A few participants were acting strangely and even hallucinating at some stage," she said.

The race started with just 10 contestants representing SA on Tuesday at 4pm and the requirements were that, participating contestants watch 90-minute movies, with just 10 minute breaks between them.

The contestants were advised not to consume drinks containing caffeine, as this would affect their heart rates. As a result of sleep deprivation, participants are likely to experience an increase in blood pressure, mood swings, nausea and vomiting. Existing mental health issues may be exacerbated.

"We’re impressed by the grit and stamina our contestants have displayed thus far. Most of us love watching movies, but this record attempt requires tremendous physical perseverance from anyone attempting it," said Jacqui O’Sullivan, the managing executive for group communication at Telkom.

All the movies were streamed via Telkom’s Boltspeed fibre. The winners took home R20,000 cash each and R50,000 worth of Telkom packages, while R10,000 was handed over to LifeLine as the charity of choice on Sunday evening.

© BDlive 2015