Rohit Shetty has come out in support of actors amid the ongoing discussion about soaring entourage costs, stressing that the prices of everything have surged.
The rising fees of actors have been a growing concern for directors and producers across the Indian film industry. However, there’s one notable exception: director Rohit Shetty. Known for his high-octane action dramas, Rohit Shetty has defended the actors, asserting that the financial burden on productions isn’t solely due to their rising fees.
Rohit Shetty, who is currently preparing for his forthcoming cop drama ‘Singham Again’, boasts an ensemble cast featuring prominent names such as Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Ranveer Singh.
In an interview with News 18 Showsha, Shetty elaborated on his perspective. “With me, it is totally different,” he stated. “When we talk about the cost, it is not just the actors. Everything from travelling to ticketing and hotels—the prices for everything have gone up. It is not just actors. The whole cost has gone up for a lot of things. Keeping that in mind, just because the cast is an ensemble, a lot of money is spent on the cast, it is not like that.”
Recent industry reports have highlighted concerns about rising entourage costs. For instance, producer Sajid Nadiadwala reportedly put Ahan Shetty’s project “Sanki” on hold due to exorbitant entourage costs charged to the production.
Bollywood Hungama cited a source saying, “Sajid is having second thoughts about the film. The current market is not where it used to be from the satellite and digital point of view. Although Sajid managed to sell digital rights thanks to his bulk deal with Amazon Prime Video, he is not getting the kind of money he was hoping for from either the film’s satellite or digital rights. But that is not what broke the camel’s back. It was when Sajid saw his leading man’s entourage costs that he lost his patience.
. Ahan’s staff costs, which include hair, make-up, spot, stylist, driver, chef, trainer, etc., were billed to production and were so high that Sajid threatened to pull the plug on the film, adding that it made no business sense to produce this project.”
Shetty’s stance provides a balanced view on the financial dynamics of modern film production. His recent comments also underline an understanding of the broader economic context impacting the industry. “Everything from travelling to ticketing and hotels—the prices for everything have gone up,” Shetty said, noting that while actors’ fees are a factor, they are far from the sole contributor to escalating budgets.
Rohit Shetty’s comments are timely considering the current climate of the industry. He emphasized that while other sectors also face price hikes, it’s unfair to single out actors as the primary cause for financial strains in film production. By pointing out the universal rise in costs, Shetty sheds light on a more comprehensive issue affecting not just film but various sectors.
In addition to supporting actors, Shetty’s approach underscores his broader managerial capability and knack for balancing financial aspects in a high-stakes industry. His successful track record with big-budget films and ensemble casts could offer valuable lessons for other producers grappling with similar financial challenges.
Shetty’s forthcoming film, “Singham Again”, is generating considerable buzz. Initially scheduled for release on 15 August, the film is likely to face delays as the shooting is yet to be completed. The movie is part of Shetty’s successful ‘Singham’ franchise, known for its engaging storylines and captivating action sequences. Fans eagerly await how Shetty will weave together such a star-studded cast while managing the logistical and financial complexities that come with it.
As the industry continues to navigate these tumultuous financial waters, Shetty’s nuanced perspective brings a refreshing change. His ability to support his cast while acknowledging the broader economic challenges speaks volumes about his leadership and vision as a director.
In conclusion, while the rising fees of actors present significant challenges, Shetty’s insights call for a more nuanced understanding of the entire production ecosystem. His leadership and forward-thinking approach may offer a blueprint for how the industry can adapt to rising costs while continuing to create high-quality cinematic experiences. With “Singham Again” poised to be another blockbuster, Rohit Shetty’s balanced view on production costs could very well be a game-changer for Bollywood’s future landscape.
