Pawan Kalyan takes a pay cut for 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh', the film to clash with 'Dhurandhar- The Revenge'
ETimes March 07, 2026 08:39 PM
Powerstar Pawan Kalyan has wrapped up the shoot of ' Ustaad Bhagat Singh ,' a project that faced several delays over the past few years. Although filming initially started in April 2023, the schedule was delayed because of the actor's overflowing film commitments and his active participation in political activities. But the team was accommodating from the very beginning, all the way to the end of the production. The film has been long in the making, but now, all hurdles seem to vanish, and it is set for release on March 19, which is Ugadi, creating excitement among fans. The film will clash wth Ranveer Singh's ' Dhurandhar-The Revenge ' at the box office.
Pawan Kalyan receives a lesser remunerationIn an intriguing development, it is reported that Pawan Kalyan has taken a meager fee for the film. According to Telugu123, the actor reportedly took close to Rs 25 crore for his work in 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh,' which is considerably less than the usual remuneration for an actor of his caliber. The report also states that Pawan Kalyan took an advance of about Rs 5 crore from the makers nearly a decade ago and continued receiving payments after the project went on floors.
A gesture to support the makersInstead of demanding a higher salary despite the delays and extended production schedule, Pawan Kalyan reportedly chose a different approach. The actor reportedly asked the makers to focus on recovering their investments first. Considering the mounting costs caused by schedule changes and the actor’s political commitments, he decided not to press for additional remuneration. Instead, he is believed to have told the makers they could share a portion of the profits with him after the film’s release if the venture is successful.
Buils strong buzz ahead of releaseThe film is directed by Harish Shankar, and it has already generated strong buzz among fans and trade circles. With a leading star, a commercial director, and high audience expectations, ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ is considered among the most awaited films. According to industry observers, the producers will recover a sizeable amount from theatrical and non-theatrical business before its release. The pay cut has become a talking point, with many viewing it as a gesture reflecting his long-standing relationship and trust with the producers.
