Veteran actor Kamal Haasan may have set a new benchmark for actor salaries in Indian cinema. Filmmaker & actor Yugi Sethu recently revealed that the legendary star earned an enormous fee for his brief but impactful role in the 2024 sci-fi blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD.
Directed by Nag Ashwin the film featured a massive ensemble cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone and went on to become one of the highest-grossing Telugu films ever. In an interview with Indiaglitz Yugi Sethu spoke about Kamal Haasan’s stature in the industry and his reported remuneration for the film. According to Sethu, Kamal was initially believed to have been paid ₹150 crore for 20 days of work which would roughly translate to about $1 million per day. However he later corrected the number after speaking with producer Aswani Dutt.
“When I thanked the producer for making our friend the highest paid actor in India also he told me Kamal sir had actually given only 10 days. I corrected myself then it comes to about $2 million per day,” Sethu said during the interview.
The claim has sparked discussion online as various reports about Kamal’s salary for the film have circulated since its release. While Sethu’s statement suggests a massive payout, earlier industry reports had offered different figures. Some claimed Kamal Haasan was paid around ₹20 crore while others suggested the remuneration exceeded ₹100 crore. Regardless of the exact number the actor’s role in Kalki 2898 AD generated significant buzz.
Kamal appeared as Supreme Yaskin a mysterious and authoritarian ruler of the futuristic Complex. Despite having limited screen time his character plays a pivotal role in the film’s narrative, with the climax hinting at a much larger presence in the sequel. Work on the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD has already begun. Amitabh Bachchan recently confirmed the development in a blog post where he shared pictures with Kamal Haasan.
“Meeting up with the great Kamal Haasan… we shall be working together after ages. Last in Giraftar. Kalki 2 has begun work,” he wrote.
The reunion marks their first collaboration in decades. Apart from the Kalki sequel Kamal Haasan has several projects in the pipeline.
He is reportedly set to collaborate with Rajinikanth in a yet to be titled film directed by Jailer filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar. The project has already generated significant excitement among fans, as the two icons will share the screen after many years.
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Kamal is also producing multiple films under his banner, including a project starring Rajinikanth directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi as well as Sivakarthikeyan’s upcoming film Seyon.
With multiple big ticket projects lined up and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD on the way the legendary actor continues to remain one of the most influential and talked-about figures in Indian cinema.