The Hindi film industry is currently facing significant challenges, particularly concerning the high remuneration demanded by leading male actors. This issue has come to the forefront following a series of underperforming films featuring top stars, raising questions about the economic sustainability of the industry. Prominent filmmaker Karan Johar recently voiced these concerns during a roundtable discussion, highlighting the need for a shift in the current financial dynamics.
Johar emphasised that male actors must reconsider their fee structures, especially given the disappointing box-office performances of their recent projects. Zoya Akhtar, also a key figure in the industry, supported this sentiment during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, stating, “They are not going to know. But Karan, you have to just stop paying. You have to stop paying. That’s it.”
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In response, Johar questioned the rationale behind such demands, asking, “What is your last couple of films? How much have you opened to? With what right are you asking me for this number?” He cited his experience with the film Kill, which he described as a high-concept project featuring a newcomer. “I made a small film called Kill. It had to be on that train. Every star asked me for the same money that the budget was for,” he noted. “I was like, ‘How can I pay you? When the budget is Rs. 40 crores, you’re asking for Rs. 40 crores? There’s no guarantee, right?’”
Johar further elaborated on the industry’s landscape, pointing out that only a select few male actors can reliably attract audiences. With over 200 films produced annually, this concentration of talent forces producers to allocate large portions of their budgets to these stars, thereby limiting investments in emerging talent.
Using Kill as an example, Johar demonstrated how the industry could benefit from a change in priorities. The film, which starred relative newcomer Lakshya and was directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, managed to achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success, showing that a star-driven formula is not always necessary for box office triumph. The film’s international recognition, including its acquisition by Lionsgate Pictures for North American distribution and plans for a Hollywood adaptation, further underscores its impact.
As the industry grapples with these issues, the conversation surrounding actor remuneration and the sustainability of traditional practices is likely to intensify, potentially paving the way for a more equitable and innovative future in Hindi cinema.