The demand for high remunerations among not only star heroes but also tier 2 heroes is causing significant budget constraints in the film industry. Even though some films achieve success, the elevated budgets lead to reduced profits for producers and distributors. In case of a flop, the financial repercussions are severe. Despite challenges in the theatrical and non-theatrical markets, hero remunerations continue to rise.
Popular figures like Balakrishna, Nani, and Ravi Teja demand remunerations exceeding 25 crores, while Nagarjuna, Nithiin, Sharwanand, and Sai Dharam command over 10 crores. A-listers such as Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, and Pawan set remuneration benchmarks beyond 60 crores, with Bunny and Prabhas crossing the 100-crore mark. On the lower end, actors like Allari Naresh and Sri Vishnu settle around four to five crores.
Even amidst these trends, hero Ram, with a mixed track record and recent flops, seems to acknowledge that his remuneration may be on the higher side. Despite facing setbacks, his remuneration quote for new projects ranges between 20 to 25 crores. However, this figure proved too steep for a prominent producer looking to collaborate, resulting in the selection of another hero.
The downturn in the non-theatrical market has not yet fully impacted Tollywood, as most 2024 releases have secured deals, minimizing potential issues. Producers are recognizing that medium-budget films may no longer be sustainable. The industry is now leaning towards either embracing smaller cult films or investing in larger budget productions.
Insiders predict a looming shift in the industry, potentially leading to the end of many mid-range heroes’ careers. So, Ram’s career prospects hinge on a crucial decision – lowering his remuneration could open doors to more opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of offers. On the contrary, maintaining high demands risks the possibility of sitting idle without projects, creating a challenging dilemma for the actor.
