In a recent discussion with News18, actor Gulshan Devaiah has voiced his support for filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s remarks concerning the high costs associated with star entourages. Devaiah questioned why producers, who previously covered these expenses, are now raising complaints.
“Maybe Anurag, in his experience, has seen some actors like that. I was there when he said that, so I can say that he added that there are producers who were willing to pay that money. Suddenly, why are they complaining? Pichle paanch filmon mein toh tumne diya tha utna paisa (You had given that money in the last five movies). Now that they don’t want to shell that much amount, they’re complaining,” Devaiah stated. He further emphasised the financial burden producers face in recovering these costs and creating budgets that accommodate such expenses.
Devaiah highlighted the need for a more reasonable approach from actors, acknowledging that only a select few demand exorbitant fees. “Sometimes it’s a trickle-down thing. They see other actors walking with five bodyguards and then they want six for themselves,” he remarked. He also pointed out the lack of residual income or backend deals for actors, speculating that the lack of transparency in financial accounts might be a contributing factor.
Reflecting on the changing dynamics of the industry, Devaiah noted, “A few years back, producers must have thought that paying that money will be worth it. Maybe it’s not worth it anymore. Maybe they don’t have that spare ₹2 lakh to splurge on a chef.”
This conversation follows Anurag Kashyap’s earlier comments made during an interview with Janice Sequeira and Humans of Cinema. Kashyap had criticized the extravagant spending on star entourages, citing examples like a chef charging ₹2 lakh per day for what he described as “bird feed.” He also pointed out the impracticality of accommodating such demands in remote shooting locations, such as sending a car on a three-hour journey just to fetch a specific burger.
Kashyap’s and Devaiah’s comments shed light on the ongoing debate about the financial sustainability of star-studded film productions, urging a reevaluation of spending priorities in the industry.
