In yet a controversial statement, Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has criticised Bollywood stars bidding extremely high fees for films. He said that it leaves the producer with very little money to make a film properly. He further said that directors should be paid accordingly but can not be since there is no money left after paying the star.
Notably, some of the biggest names in Bollywood have reportedly taken compensation as high as ₹100 crores for one film. This however includes their fees and shares in distribution and other rights.
Addressing this trend, Subhash Ghai told Bollywood Hungama, “It’s a very good thing that stars get ₹100 crores. But as a director, I should get ₹125 crores then. After all, I made the film. I wish they get 100 and I get 125. But how will I get that much money when the producer is left with ₹2 crores. The producer’s share is just that of the production manager. Saara toh tu le gaya (You took all the money).”
He added, “80-90% paisa toh tum le gaye. Ab picture main kya banaun? (You (the stars) took 80-90% of the money. Now, how do I make the film?). I will save ₹5-10 crore and will survive somehow. This is the state producers are in while making films today. How can this be? The producer is the boss of the film, but you have reduced him to a production manager. He is working on 20%, and by taking 80%, you have taken all the creative decisions in your hand.”
Notably, Subhash Ghai has not made a film since 2016. He was also bogged down in a MeToo controversy in 2018 when a woman accused him of drugging and assaulting her.