Our Bureau
Mumbai
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has reportedly reduced his upfront fee by nearly 70 per cent for the upcoming comedy film Welcome to the Jungle, choosing a profit-sharing arrangement instead of his traditional remuneration model. According to industry reports, the actor has accepted an advance payment of only ₹1.8 crore while securing a significant stake in the film’s intellectual property revenues (IPR).
Sources indicate that Kumar’s agreement allows him to receive 72 per cent of the film’s IPR earnings after its release, while the producer retains the remaining share. The move reflects a growing trend in the Hindi film industry, where leading actors are increasingly opting for backend profit-sharing deals rather than demanding large fixed fees.
Trade analysts believe the arrangement reduces the financial burden on producers while aligning the actor’s earnings with the film’s overall performance. The decision comes at a time when producers are seeking ways to manage budgets and minimise risks associated with high star salaries.
Reports also suggest that Welcome to the Jungle has already recovered a substantial portion of its investment through pre-release business. The makers are believed to have secured around ₹120 crore from the sale of ancillary rights, including OTT, satellite and audio deals. This has strengthened the film’s financial position even before its theatrical release.
The film is the third instalment in the popular Welcome franchise and carries strong brand recognition following the success of its previous entries. Industry observers view Kumar’s remuneration structure as a vote of confidence in the project’s commercial prospects.
Welcome to the Jungle, directed by Ahmed Khan and featuring a large ensemble cast, is scheduled for release later this month.
