Kamal Haasan has urged the Indian film industry to curb production costs, and producers of major films like Kalki 2898 AD and Puli have wholeheartedly agreed with him.
The actor-politician pointed out the effects of the West Asia conflict on the entertainment industry. “For the Indian film industry, this comes at a time when budgets are already escalating, and market recoveries remain uneven. Rising costs will not affect film production alone. Consumer spending patterns for entertainment may also change in the months ahead due to inflationary pressures,” he wrote.
Where the correction is needed
Kamal suggested that the burden of rising costs cannot fall on those who labour the hardest. “The correction we need is elsewhere: in avoidable waste, poor planning, inflated entourage culture, unnecessary foreign travel, production delays, and the growing disconnect between spending and purpose,” he said.
Kalki 2898 AD producers respond
Producers of Kalki 2898 AD, Vyjayanthi Movies, wholeheartedly agreed with Kamal. Reposting his note, the producers wrote: “Incredible man. Incredible words. At a crucial time for the cinema industry, Mr. @ikamalhaasan is among the first to step forward and speak about responsible measures to control costs and protect the future of cinema. Truly appreciate it, sir.”
Puli producer adds his views
Producer Shibu Thameens, who helmed films such as Vijay’s Puli and Vikram’s Saamy Square, wrote: “It’s need of the hour and always #ulaganayagan @ikamalhaasan sir. Who always initiate ideas, as well first one to apply innovative techniques in Indian cinema.”
However, he also added a nuanced view: “I think, it’s the script which demands the said, prep/shoot/post/actors/technicians/location/art etc. Hope the discipline will start from script development itself keeping the audience in mind.”
Shibu also thought small budget films that perform well ought to be congratulated. He listed recent successful small-budget films including Love Today, Tourist Family, With Love, Youth, Thai Kizhavi, and several Malayalam films as models to emulate.
“Sorry, not a statement, just adding my views as a maker, who is learning from few failures,” he added.
The bigger picture
Kamal’s intervention comes at a time when several high-budget Indian films have struggled to recover costs at the box office, while small and mid-budget films have found success with discerning audiences.
Rising inflation, the West Asia conflict affecting overseas markets, and changing consumer spending patterns have all added pressure on an industry already grappling with uneven recoveries post-pandemic.
What’s next for Kamal
Kamal last starred in Mani Ratnam’s 2025 film Thug Life. He will soon star in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD with Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. He will also star in Nelson Dilipkumar’s yet-to-be-titled film with Rajinikanth, as well as in Anbariv’s yet-to-be-titled film.
As one of Indian cinema’s most respected voices, Kamal’s call for fiscal discipline has found resonance across the industry. Whether producers and studios will act on his suggestions remains to be seen, but the conversation has clearly begun.
