This Indian Actor Becomes the First to Charge Rs 200 Crore for a Film – And It’s Not Shah Rukh Khan or Prabhas
In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan held the title of India’s highest-paid actor, reportedly pocketing Rs 100 crore for both Pathaan and Jawan and an additional 60% of Jawan’s revenue, given his role as co-producer. This information comes from multiple sources and other publicly accessible data.
However, in 2024, a South Indian superstar has surpassed SRK as the highest-paid actor in India, marking a significant milestone in the entertainment industry. This actor, who isn’t Prabhas, Allu Arjun, Rajinikanth, or Kamal Haasan, has seen his last seven films gross over Rs 200 crore each at the box office. Wondering who it is? Scroll down to find out.
Thalapathy Vijay Sets a New Benchmark, Charging Rs 200 Crore for a Film
Thalapathy Vijay has become the first actor in India to charge a staggering Rs 200 crore for his role in The Greatest of All Time (also known as GOAT). Initial reports suggested that Vijay was set to receive Rs 150 crore for this sci-fi action film, but Archana Kalpathi, CEO of AGS Entertainment and producer of GOAT, confirmed in an interview with Galatta that Vijay’s fee was bumped up to Rs 200 crore.
Kalpathi attributed Vijay’s unprecedented paycheque to his remarkable box office appeal and increasing market value in recent years. His previous film Leo was a blockbuster, grossing Rs 623 crore worldwide, according to news sources.
Interestingly, Vijay’s remuneration for GOAT exceeds the entire production budget of his 2019 hit Bigil, which was also backed by AGS Entertainment and cost Rs 180 crore to make. For GOAT, the total production budget is Rs 340 crore, with Vijay’s salary constituting the largest expense. Archana Kalpathi further revealed that the film has already turned a profit through pre-release sales, recovering its costs via satellite, digital, music, and theatrical rights, as reported by DNA.
Star-Studded Cast and Innovative Use of Technology in GOAT
The Greatest of All Time (also known as Thalapathy 68) features a star-studded ensemble, including Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal Ameer, Mohan, Jayaram, Sneha, Laila, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Vaibhav, Yogi Babu, Premgi Amaren, and Yugendran. The film will also incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) for a special scene featuring the late Vijayakanth.
Directed by Venkat Prabhu, GOAT is set for a September 5, 2024, release. In the movie, Vijay will portray Gandhi, a former leader of the SATS (Special Anti-Terrorist Squad), who reunites with his team members to confront new challenges that have emerged from their past actions. Additionally, Vijay will play a double role, with his character’s son Jeevan assisting in the dangerous mission.
With GOAT, Vijay not only cements his position as a powerhouse in Indian cinema but also sets a new precedent for actor salaries in the industry.
Also Read: ‘GOAT’ Day 1 Box Office Prediction: Vijay’s Film Set for Massive Global Opening