The eagerly awaited release of “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” arrived with a lot of news, the least of which is about the salary of its lead actor, politico-actor Pawan Kalyan. Though trade gossip enjoys going around the astronomical figures that superstars command, Kalyan himself has provided an open-ended analysis of his pay for the long-delayed period action-adventure.
In recent promotional appearances, he described his pay for the film as not a guaranteed, upfront amount but a contingency based on the relative success of the picture in the long run.
This unorthodox position reflects an intention to protect the producer’s investment, an uncommon and admirable position in the often-ruthless world of high-budget moviemaking.
Producer’s Protection: A Philanthropic Pay Structure
Pawan Kalyan’s strategy of accepting his “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” remuneration seems to be driven by an over-riding commitment towards the fiscal success of the film. His initial payment was made in the form of an advance with indications of a figure of about ₹11-20 crore. Nevertheless, he went on record to make the statement that his eventual remuneration would heavily depend on the box office success of the film.
This ‘success-based’ deal, though not new, is a polar opposite of the standard pre-production advance fees being paid by the stars. It suggests an openness to sharing potential risks with the producer, A.M. Rathnam, in light of the film’s five-year long production timeline and endless interruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Kalyan’s political activities. This is in line with a growing trend throughout the industry to create more balanced financial models for high-end productions.
Beyond the Bottom Line: Responsibility and Commitment
Kalyan’s revelations regarding his compensation cannot be divorced from his increasing involvement in the push for the film, contrary to his otherwise withdrawn personality. He has candidly confessed that these are “extenuating circumstances,” motivated by the intent to absorb the losses incurred by the producer owing to the delays.
This shift from a purely transactional relationship to one of mutual accountability speaks volumes of his commitment not just as an artist, but also as a public servant. By prioritizing the success of the film and the health of the producer over a certain sum of payment, Pawan Kalyan sets an example that might elicit a higher sense of responsibility in financial transactions in the industry. His actions indicate that to him, the value received from “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” outweighs a mere check, and it is a greater obligation to the unit and the profession.
Also Read: Pawan Kalyan Breaks Silence: Hari Hara Veera Mallu Promotion Not Arrogance, But Allegiance
