A massive big-budget film is currently in production, with a huge chunk of its money already committed to the star cast and the director.
The lead actor is reportedly pocketing over Rs 150 crore, the director around Rs 50 crore, and the heroine another Rs 20 crore. With numbers like these, the film is clearly operating in the “no compromise” zone.
Yet, in a surprising twist, the makers have hesitated to sign a senior actress for one of the film’s most critical roles.
The role was first offered to Ramya Krishna, known for her powerful screen presence and selective approach to characters. But the production house allegedly backed out after hearing her remuneration quote.
Industry insiders find the logic baffling. Ramya Krishna typically charges Rs 10 to 12 lakh per day, which is a small thing for a project of this size.
Compared to the astronomical amounts being paid to the male lead and the director, her fee is a fraction, not even one-tenth of what the men are taking home.
Producers, however, are said to be in “cost optimization mode” and are now scouting for another actress who will work for less.
Many in the industry are calling this reasoning laughable, pointing out that trimming budgets at the expense of a key performer, while handing out mega cheques elsewhere, is the biggest irony of the year.
