Upendra's Remuneration For Coolie: How Much Did Makers Pay Kannada Real Star?

Kannada cinema's Real Star Upendra has shared screen space with Rajinikanth for the first time in Coolie, and the anticipation is running high among fans in Karnataka. The collaboration between the two stalwarts is expected to give the film a thunderous opening in the state.

Rajinikanth On Upendra

At the audio launch, Rajinikanth showered praise on Upendra, calling him a director first and an actor next. "He's made unforgettable films. In Karnataka, Om is ten times bigger than my Baashha in Tamil Nadu. The non-linear technique that Lokesh Kanagaraj uses today, Upendra was already doing back then," the Tamil superstar said.

Not just Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj and the crew has showered praises on the Kannada actor on numerous occasions.

Talking about Rajini, Upendra had earlier recalled the first time he met Rajinikanth 25 years ago. "Since that day, like Ekalavya followed Dronacharya, I have followed him," he said. The star's groundbreaking storytelling has inspired many filmmakers, including Lokesh Kanagaraj, who openly credits Upendra's influence.

Upendra's Remuneration for Coolie

And now, industry sources reveal that his contribution to Coolie has been recognised in a big way. Upendra has reportedly pocketed ₹10 crore for the film - his highest remuneration for a non-Kannada project to date. For comparison, the actor usually commands ₹5-6 crore per film.

Well, his presence has added a lot of value as the movie is set to get a good opening in Karnataka. Going by the trade reports, the movie earned over Rs 8 crore from the presales alone.

In the same project, Rajinikanth is said to have been paid ₹200 crore, while Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan took home ₹20 crore, ₹12 crore, ₹5 crore, and ₹4 crore respectively.

The movie is releasing in multiple languages, including Kannada on Thursday, August 14. Lokesh Kanagaraj-directorial is produced by Sun Pictures. The movie is predicted to get a gigantic opening.