- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 16 May 2025 10:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Veteran producer Siddharth Roy Kapur is known for delivering hit movies like Haider, Barfi, Dangal, among others. The producer recently opened up on the evolving economics of Bollywood filmmaking, stating that actor’s compensation plays an important role in shaping a movie’s budget. “That’s the kind of financial muscle top stars bring to the table,” he said.
In a conversation with CNBC TV 18, Roy Kapur said that 30-40 percent of the total budget is often allocated to the lead actor's fee in big-budget films. He gave examples of Hollywood star Tom Cruise’s significant payday for Top Gun: Maverick, highlighting the financial impact of A-list actors on film budgets.
“This isn’t about taking a pay cut. It’s about having skin in the game. Actors are beginning to align their earnings with a film’s performance—when the movie does well, everyone benefits," he said.
Siddharth clarified that top actors aren't necessarily taking salary cuts, but rather, there's a shift in the payment structure. Many actors are now choosing to take a smaller upfront fee in exchange for a share in the film's profits. This allows them to directly benefit from the movie's success.
According to Siddharth, the Bollywood industry is adopting a two-part compensation model for actors. This model combines a fixed fee, which is part of the project's overall cost, with a share in the profits. By reducing the upfront payment, the budget becomes more manageable. If the film does well, both the actor and producer benefit, creating a mutually beneficial situation.
This profit-sharing approach is becoming increasingly popular in Bollywood. It helps reduce production costs and allows both actors and producers to reap greater financial rewards if the film is successful. This trend is seen as a win-win for all parties involved.
