Karan Johar, who was present at a directors roundtable with Zoya Akhtar, stated that male celebrities need to reevaluate their pay.
The high salary of top male performers in the Hindi film industry has drawn criticism recently, particularly in light of the opening weekend receipts of films starring A-list celebrities like Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, which were just ₹3 crore and ₹4 crore, respectively. In a directors discussion hosted by The Hollywood Reporter India, Karan Johar reiterated the need for male actors to reassess their remuneration, before his fellow filmmaker Zoya Akhtar intervened.They won’t be aware of it. But you just have to quit making payments, Karan. You must cease making payments. That’s all,” stated Zoya. In response, Karan said he no longer pays male celebrities exorbitant amounts.
“What are your most recent two films? To what extent have you opened up? How am I supposed to give you this number? I directed a short film titled Kill. I invested the money since the lead role was played by a relative unknown in a high concept movie. since I’ve begun to do it. It was an action movie with a big idea. Kill was unachievable in any other way. That train had to contain it. All the stars begged me for the same amount of money that was allocated. “How can I pay you?” I asked. You’re asking for ₹40 crore when the budget is ₹40 crore? Do you promise that the movie will gross ₹120 crore? You realise there’s no guarantee?You realise there’s no guarantee? I have to admit that I ultimately took a new boy, who was a “outsider,” Karan remarked.
With almost 200 films to make in a year and only six viable male performers, Karan continued, producers must restructure the workforce to give fresh, younger actors more opportunities. Additionally, Zoya stated that since the male star now consumes 70% of the budget, the technical staff ought to receive generous compensation. According to Karan, some younger male celebrities like to charge ₹40 crore but are unwilling to take chances with their acting choices.
About Kill
In July, Kill was released in theatres. Nikhil Nagesh Bhat directed it, and Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan’s Dharma Productions co-produced it. It starred Raghav Juyal, Tanya Maniktala, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Lakshya in his Bollywood debut. The action-packed movie takes place aboard a speeding train. Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Lionsgate Pictures bought the film for North American distribution. A Hollywood version of Kill has also been confirmed by Lionsgate and John Wick director Chad Stahelski. At the box office in India, the movie brought in ₹24.2 crore.
