Vettaiyan, released on October 10, 2024, marks Rajinikanth’s 170th film as the lead actor and serves as Amitabh Bachchan’s debut in Tamil cinema. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, the film has generated significant buzz, especially given the long-awaited reunion of these two cinematic legends after over three decades.
Plot Overview
The action drama revolves around SP Ajith IPS, portrayed by Rajinikanth, a daring police officer tackling a surge of criminal activity in the city. As Ajith confronts the criminals, he finds himself at odds with DGP Sathyadev Pande, played by Amitabh Bachchan. Their ideological clash adds depth to the narrative, promising an engaging cinematic experience for fans.
Cast Salaries: Rajinikanth vs. Amitabh Bachchan
One of the most talked-about aspects of Vettaiyan is the disparity in salaries between its lead actors. According to reports from the Times of India, Rajinikanth commands a staggering fee of Rs 125 crore, making him 17 times more highly paid than Amitabh Bachchan, who reportedly earned Rs 7 crore for his pivotal role. This pay gap has sparked discussions about the market dynamics and star power in the Indian film industry.
Supporting Cast Remuneration
The film’s supporting cast also features notable names, each with impressive earnings:
- Fahadh Faasil: Reportedly received between Rs 2 and 4 crore.
- Manju Warrier: Earned between Rs 2 and 3 crore for her role.
- Rana Daggubati: Charged Rs 5 crore for his participation.
- Ritika Singh: Took home Rs 25 lakh for her contribution.
These figures illustrate the strong financial backing and commercial expectations surrounding the film.
Rajinikanth’s Conditions for the Film
During Vettaiyan’s audio launch, Rajinikanth shared an interesting insight into his decision-making process before joining the project. He expressed a desire for the film to incorporate commercial elements, urging director TJ Gnanavel to revise the narrative to align with his vision.
“I told him that if he could add commercial elements, I’d think about it,” Rajinikanth recalled. Gnanavel quickly adapted the story, assuring Rajinikanth that he would deliver a film that impresses fans in his unique style.