Very often, there are reports allegedly claiming that star actors are being paid heavily as remuneration. Some tout that a few star personalities have even crossed limits beyond one’s wildest imagination, apparently propelled by their latest blockbuster hit, they demand huge sums in addition to a percentage in profits too! While actors rarely reveal their exact remuneration, they neither deny nor confirm such speculations. The suspense remains a million “rupee” question. Bengaluru Chronicle reports on star actor’s and what their take home package is, and the ‘reel’ facts behind it.
The latest to hit the moolah ladder is actor Dhruva Sarja who is smiling from ear to ear after three back-to-back commercial successes. Recent reports allege that Dhruva Sarja was being paid Rs 6 crore for his fourth film, thanks to his impeccable success rate at the box office. Though the actor has refused to comment on the fees, he reportedly has said that he is happy that such a rumour is doing the rounds, as he looks at it as a reason to work harder and reach a stage in the future where such high numbers are a reality.
This is the similar tale that plays with most star actors when they take up new projects. According to the latest talk in tinsel town, Kiccha Sudeep is being paid a record sum, making him the highest paid actor in Sandalwood! Accordingly, speculation is rife that the magical number is as high as Rs 8 in crores! "The exaggerated figures are always an attempt to further boost the prospects of star actors. For example, as a producer I would have paid a certain amount to an actor but the same actor would add more figures when another producer approaches him. In the case of big stars, they would compromise on remuneration for a big banner or most anticipated movies, as working for such films will lead to them getting more films where they will earn more riding on the success of big banners and popular director films. Why would an actor ask for payment to work for a acclaimed director like Rajmouli? He or she would do for it for the sake of the greater opportunity it offers," says producer and actor Gowri Shikar.
“In fact, most of these numbers are just a mere exaggeration. The Kannada film market is not huge compared to Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Some actors seek percentages in profits along with remuneration. The payment would also depend on how the fees was being paid — full, half or in instalments,” says a director on the condition of anonymity. He adds that remuneration depends on a star actor’s latest hit record. “At the time of signing up for a project, if the actor’s previous movies have seen huge success, then his demands are normally higher, and in the opposite scenario, the same actor would settle for less.”
When an actor directly associates himself with the production, he still seeks his regular fee, apart from a percentage in profits. “Usually the producers and actors are bound by a contract. If the producer has agreed to pay the sum in four instalments, the actor would work accordingly expect payment before dubbing starts. This is also why frequently we hear that actors refuse to dub until their dues are cleared,” says a producer. Another noted film director believes otherwise. “It doesn’t work like that always. Stories and directors matter. If the story demands a lesser budget, the actor can take a higher remuneration but if the story demands a mega budget, actors compromise on remuneration too.” However, the recent restrictions over financial transactions and changes in the tax system has seen the use of ‘black money’ for such payments reduce to almost nil, many experts opine.
