Rishab Shetty, of Kantara fame, has grown into a major force in the Indian film industry, emerging as a pan-India star from Karnataka.
Recently, when a leading Telugu producer approached him to act in a straight Telugu film, Rishab Shetty reportedly demanded Rs 80 crore as remuneration.
It remains to be seen whether the producer will agree to this demand and move forward with the project or step back, considering the current challenges faced by the film industry.
At present, many top stars are reducing their upfront fees and opting instead for profit-sharing models to sustain long-term opportunities and manage financial risks.
At this juncture, demanding Rs 80 crore purely as remuneration may not be very practical.
However, the final decision depends entirely on the producer’s assessment, calculations, and confidence in the project’s commercial potential. If the numbers justify the investment, the project could still take shape.
The irony is that Rishab Shetty was earlier known for working with modest payments and opting for a share in the profits.
As his market value and stardom have grown, his approach appears to have changed. Whether this shift proves beneficial in the long run remains to be seen.