New Delhi: David Warner has finally made his big-screen debut, and it’s not in a cricket biopic—it’s in a Telugu action entertainer! The Australian cricketer, known for his love of Tollywood, has stepped into the world of Indian cinema with RobinhoodDirected by Venky Kudumula.
Starring Nithiin and Sreeleela in lead roles, the film hit theatres this Friday, and fans are thrilled to see Warner in a key cameo. But the real question is: How much did he charge for his first-ever acting gig? Scroll down to read about it in detail!
Cricketers and Bollywood crossovers are nothing new, but Warner’s foray into Telugu cinema is a rare treat. According to an OTT Play report, the explosive batsman was paid a hefty Rs 3 crore for his role in Robinhood. The cameo was shot last year during IPL 2024.
Producer Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers confirmed earlier this month that Warner was indeed part of the film, making fans even more eager to see him on screen. Once the news was out, the Aussie cricketer flew to India to participate in the film’s promotions in Hyderabad. From attending pre-release events to creating fun Instagram Reels with the lead actors, he went all in on the Telugu star experience.
However, the promotions weren’t entirely smooth. His co-star Rajendra Prasad sparked controversy with certain comments about Warner at a pre-release event. The backlash was swift, forcing Rajendra to issue a public apology.
DIRECTED BY Venky Kudumula, Robinhood is an action-packed entertainer that marks the filmmaker’s third directorial venture. He previously helmed Chalo (2018) and Bheeshma (2020), both of which starred Nithiin. Initially, Rashmika Mandanna was set to play the female lead in Robinhood, but due to scheduling conflicts, she had to step away. The role eventually went to Sreeleela.
The film was released on March 28 and strategically hit theatres ahead of the Ugadi festival, aiming to cash in on the holiday crowd. However, it wasn’t free from pre-release drama. The special number Adhi Dha Surprisu, featuring Ketika Sharma, came under fire for its choreography, sparking debates on social media. The music for the film was composed by GV Prakash Kumar, while the supporting cast includes Vennela Kishore, Rajendra Prasad, Devdatta Nage, and Shine Tom Chacko in pivotal roles.
Since its release, Robinhood has received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. While some have praised the film’s high-energy action and entertainment factor, others feel it falls short of the hype.
