Neither Prabhas Nor Deepika Padukone, This Star Was Highest Paid In Kalki 2898 AD

The 2024 sci-fi spectacle Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, emerged as one of the biggest Telugu blockbusters in recent years. Featuring a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan, the film created massive buzz both for its scale and performances.

Kamal Haasan played the antagonist Supreme Yaskin, a powerful god-king ruling the Complex, and despite limited screen time, his character became a crucial part of the storyline.

Yugi Sethu Says Kamal Haasan Was Paid ₹150 Crore

Filmmaker-actor Yugi Sethu recently spoke about Kamal Haasan's remuneration for the film during an interview with Indiaglitz. According to him, the veteran star commanded an enormous fee for a brief shooting schedule.

"Kamal sir's stature is such. He is getting paid ₹150 crore for 20 days of the call sheet for Kalki 2898 AD. I told him on his birthday that he is the highest-paid actor in India and is getting $1 million per day, because he was paid ₹150 crore for 20 days."

Sethu further revealed that Kamal Haasan introduced him to the film's producer C. Aswani Dutt, during which he jokingly thanked the producer for making their friend the highest-paid actor in the country.

"I told him thanks for making our friend the highest-paid actor in India. When I said ₹150 crore for 20 days, he replied, no, sir, he has given only 10 days. Sorry, I correct myself then, it's $2 million per day."

Conflicting Reports About Kamal's Fee

Although Sethu's remarks created a stir, reports about Kamal Haasan's actual remuneration for Kalki 2898 AD vary widely. Some industry reports claim the actor earned around ₹20 crore for the project, while others suggest the payment exceeded ₹100 crore.

In the film, Kamal portrays Supreme Yaskin, a ruthless and totalitarian ruler who dominates the futuristic Complex. Even though the character appears briefly, his role is pivotal to the narrative and sets the stage for the story's expansion. The climax of the film hints that Supreme Yaskin will play a much larger role in the upcoming sequel.

Work Begins On Kalki 2

Work on the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD has already begun. Amitabh Bachchan recently shared pictures with Kamal Haasan on his blog, confirming their reunion on the project.

"meeting up with the great KAMAL HAASAN ... we shall be working together after ages .. last in Giraftar .. Kalki 2 begun the work."

The two legends last appeared together in the 1985 film Giraftar, making their collaboration in the upcoming sequel particularly special for fans.

Several Films In Kamal Haasan's Line-Up

Apart from Kalki 2, Kamal Haasan has multiple projects lined up. He is set to appear alongside Rajinikanth in an upcoming film directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, who previously helmed the blockbuster Jailer. The film is yet to receive an official title.

Kamal is also collaborating with the action duo Anbariv for another project. In addition, he is producing several films, including one starring Rajinikanth directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi, and Sivakarthikeyan's film Seyon, directed by Sivakumar Murugesan.

The announcement video for Kamal and Rajinikanth's reunion film generated massive excitement among fans eager to see the legends share screen space again after decades. However, the teaser also faced criticism from some viewers for showing scantily clad women staring at the actors as they walked past. The film's music will be composed by Anirudh Ravichander.