Big-ticket cast, bigger curiosity: who’s charging what for the 2025 blockbuster
With the film generating massivе buzz, one question keeps coming up — how much are the leads and the rest of the cast being paid? Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow look at the likely fee structure for the stars of Tu Meri Main Tera, based on industry estimates and current market trends.
Kartik Aaryan: the top-line number
Kartik Aaryan is the film’s bankable male lead, and his fee reflects that standing. Trade insiders and industry estimates place his pay in the ₹12–15 crore range for this project. That’s consistent with his positioning as one of Hindi cinema’s most commercially viable stars in 2024–25 — a price that factors in box-office pull, pan-India marketability, and brand value.
Ananya Panday: rising pay packet
Ananya Panday has steadily increased her market value since debuting. For a commercial entertainer of this scale, her fee is estimated at around ₹5–7 crore. That range takes into account her youth appeal, social media clout, and the prominence of her role opposite a major star like Kartik.
Supporting cast, cameos and extras — the usual spread
- Established supporting actors: Senior character actors and known supporting names typically command ₹1–3 crore depending on screen time and track record.
- Experienced character artists: Reliable scene-stealers and veteran character actors often work for ₹30–75 lakh.
- Cameo appearances and special appearances: Star cameos are usually paid in the ₹10–50 lakh band, varying a lot with the cameo’s prominence.
- Newcomers and smaller roles: Debutants and lesser-known actors generally receive anywhere from ₹10–20 lakh, sometimes less for very small parts.
Why these numbers make sense
Several practical reasons drive the fee structure:
- Box-office standing: Big names command higher fees because their presence influences opening weekend collections.
- Brand and endorsements: Actors with strong brand deals or digital followings can demand a premium.
- Risk and reward: Producers balance star fees against expected returns from theatrical windows, music rights, and OTT deals.
- Negotiation dynamics: Package deals (profit shares, backend points, or reduced upfront for a percentage of profits) can shift the headline number up or down.
Estimated production context
For a high-profile romantic entertainer backed as a 2025 big release, estimates put the production budget (before heavy marketing) roughly in the ₹70–90 crore region. Talent costs form a sizeable chunk of that total; top-billed actors like Kartik and Ananya together can account for a large percentage of the star-cost line item.
What this means for box-office expectations
When producers invest big on star power, expectations rise: strong opening weekend, aggressive multiplex counts, and quick monetisation via music and streaming rights. If the film clicks, the upfront fees look justified; if not, producers rely on downstream revenue streams to balance the ledger.
Final word
While exact contracts remain private, the broad picture is clear: Tu Meri Main Tera is a star-driven venture with lead pay reflecting current market clout. Kartik Aaryan’s fee anchors the budget, Ananya Panday’s pay reflects growing stardom, and the supporting cast follows the usual Bollywood tiered structure. For audiences, the real test will be whether the film’s story and chemistry deliver on the promise that these numbers imply.