In a recent interview, filmmaker-actor Yugi Sethu claimed that Kamal Haasan was paid $1 million per day for the first instalment of the 2024 film Kalki 2898 AD. The veteran actor is also expected to have a larger role in the sequel. Because of this massive pay, Yugi described Kamal Haasan as the “highest-paid” actor in India. Later, he revealed that the payment might have been even higher. After meeting the film’s producer, Yugi said he learned that Kamal Haasan actually received $2 million per day for the shoot.
Speaking to Indiaglitz in that interview, Yugi Sethu said, "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.”
He also shared that Kamal Haasan later introduced him to the film’s producer, Aswani Dutt. Yugi Sethu then added, "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."
Earlier, several reports had suggested that Kamal Haasan was paid ₹100 crore or more for his role in Kalki 2898 AD.
Kamal Haasan’s role in the film
In Kalki 2898 AD, Kamal Haasan portrayed the god-king Supreme Yaskin, the ruler of the complex. The film ends with a hint that his character will have a larger role and more screen time in the sequel.
Big B meets Kamal Haasan after four decades, shares moments from the Kalki 2 shoot:
Amitabh Bachchan posted pictures from the set of Kalki 2898 AD 2 on his blog. The photos showed that Big B has met his Geraftaar co-star Kamal Haasan after 40 years. Posting the images, Big B added, "Told them that this Sunday I shall not be able to come, since I was shooting in Hyderabad... but still they come... to confirm... but apologies... work first... rest later..."
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He also mentioned his reunion with Kamal Haasan, he said, "And meeting up with the great KAMAL HAASAN... we shall be working together after ages... last in Geraftaar." Amitabh Bachchan stated about the film, "Kalki 2 [has] begun the work... and shall ever cherish the love and affection of anticipated presence on the Sunday... but hopefully shall be with all this coming Sunday... My love."
The photos capture Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan warmly hugging each other and sharing a cheerful moment. In a few pictures, Amitabh Bachchan is also seen wearing heavy prosthetic makeup.
About the film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and Cast
The film 'Kalki 2898 AD’ is a mythological science-fiction. It was written and directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi movies . The film was released in 2024. The film features a star-studded cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. The story takes inspiration from Hindu scriptures and marks the first instalment of the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe.