You get honest answers. In a recent roundtable conference for The Hollywood Reporter India, Vicky Kaushal, Kriti Sanon, Ishaan Khatter, and Dhruv Vikram opened up about the entourage cost debate that has been a major concern for filmmakers and producers.
Making a movie is an expensive business. Apart from paying the cast, building massive sets, and managing hair, makeup, and costumes, multiple hidden costs burden the makers. One of the biggest among them is the entourage cost, and the actors had some very interesting things to say about it.
Kriti Sanon On What Costs Are Justified
Kriti Sanon was very clear that this is not a problem that just actors can solve. She admitted that stars and producers should come together and cut down on what is not needed and is just a luxury. The actress made an important distinction between necessary and unnecessary expenses.
When it comes to your trainer or dietician, that is needed for the film, so it is okay. But if you are taking a cook or someone else, then it is your personal cost. You are doing it for yourself, and that should not be charged to the film. This practical approach shows that actors are aware of where the line should be drawn.
Vicky Kaushal Defends Gym On Set For Action Films
Vicky Kaushal stated that even though they have not personally seen people bring six vanity vans on sets, they are not denying that it is the truth. He further expressed that anything that hurts the film financially should be corrected. Adding to what Kriti said, the Masaan star stated that some costs are genuinely for the film or the character.
Backing it with an example, he shared that he needs a gym on set because if it is a 7 to 7 action film schedule, and his only time to train is at 5 in the morning, and the gym is in the opposite direction of the location, then it helps if there is some setup on the set. This kind of arrangement actually helps the film, and every producer also understands that. The Chhaava actor also added that any issue regarding costs should be addressed directly between the actor and the makers.
Ishaan Khatter On Indian Actors Being Mollycoddled
Ishaan Khatter gave a very interesting perspective from his experience working internationally. The young star opined that Indian actors are sometimes mollycoddled. Sharing his experience of working on the American TV series The Perfect Couple, he stated that he was given a house and a car and was asked to drive himself to set every day.
At that time, he was doing laundry, cleaning, and cooking all by himself, and then reading lines while driving to set. He did not have anyone from his team with him at the international location. But in India, actors have a lot of help. Even though it creates jobs, where the limit should be is an individual question and depends on what the project needs.
The actor also shared examples of different projects having different requirements. While working on the Oscar shortlisted film Homebound, director Neeraj Ghaywan was very specific that there will be only one hair and makeup team for all actors. But for The Royals, the makers needed him to look like a prodigy horse rider in 2 months, for which they had to get him a riding coach.
Dhruv Vikram Calls 6 Vanity Vans Ridiculous
When the discussion turned to some stars bringing six vanity vans on set, Dhruv Vikram jumped in to express his shock. “This is ridiculous. I am sorry,” he was quick to state. His honest reaction perfectly captured what many people in the industry feel about such excessive demands. Everyone at the roundtable agreed that the extra and unnecessary cost should be avoided.
About The Entourage Cost Debate
The entourage cost debate in Bollywood has been a long standing issue that affects film budgets significantly. With actors, producers, and directors now openly discussing this matter, there is hope that the industry will find a balanced approach that benefits both the creative process and the financial health of projects.
(Also read: It’s A Wrap For Ikka: Sunny Deol And Akshay Khanna Reunite After 28 Years In Netflix Action Drama With Dia Mirza )
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