The much-awaited film Raaka, directed by Atlee, has been making waves not only for its scale but also for the reported disparity in cast salaries. As per reports from Deccan Chronicle, Deepika Padukone, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, is said to be receiving nearly seven times less than her co-star Allu Arjun for her role in the movie. While Allu Arjun is reportedly paid a hefty sum of Rs 175 crore for his part, Deepika is reportedly being paid Rs 25 crore. This considerable pay gap has raised eyebrows among fans and industry insiders alike.
Additionally, the report also mentioned that Rashmika Mandanna, another key actor in the film, is being paid between Rs 5 crore and Rs 7 crore. These reported figures, however, have not been officially confirmed by the production house, and their accuracy remains speculative.
Raaka has already created a buzz due to its star-studded cast, which also includes Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor in significant roles. The film’s budget is reported to be a staggering Rs 700 crore, which places it among the more expensive films currently in production. The film is being produced by Sun Pictures, with plans to shoot the next schedule in Mumbai. The production is expected to continue throughout the year, aiming for completion by the end of 2026.
On Allu Arjun’s 44th birthday, the makers of Raaka released a glimpse of the film's world. The poster depicted Arjun’s face partly covered with thick fur and a sharp tusk-like feature, hinting at his intense and mysterious character. Arjun is set to portray three different characters in Raaka: a cop, a half-human, half-monster, and the father of these brothers. This multi-faceted role has added to the anticipation surrounding the film's release.
With its massive budget and high-profile cast, Raaka is set to be one of the most talked-about films in Indian cinema once it hits the screens. However, the pay disparity among the leads has also sparked a conversation about the financial dynamics of the industry, particularly when it comes to the compensation of stars in major productions.
