'Ramayana' producer Namit Malhotra shares his thoughts on actors demanding massive fees: '90 percent star vehicle banake...'

'Ramayana' is one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema. Namit Malhotra, who is backing the project, recently opened up about actors charging massive fees. In an interview, he also revealed who he would pick as the director of 'Brahmastra 2'. Here’s what he had to say.

Namit Malhotra on actors demanding big money

In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Namit Malhotra was asked if actors demanding heavy fees is hurting the film industry. The producer disagreed and explained his perspective.

He said, "Jitna aap star ke balbute pe hi apna sara kaam karenge toh woh toh price lega hi (The more you rely on stars, the more they will ask for money)." Malhotra added that actors must also be able to see what the producer is creating.



He continued, "90 percent star vehicle banake aap poora apna business poora responsibility unpe daalte hain (By making your entire business a 90 percent star vehicle, you're placing the entire responsibility of your business on them)."

Malhotra further explained, "Toh naturally wo apna benefit leke jayga. Har ek business ka har ek area ka yahi reality hai (So, naturally, they'll take their profits. This is the reality of every business and every field)."

How much should be spent on actors?

In the same interview, Malhotra shared that, in his view, there should be a 20:80 split when it comes to film budgets. He said 20 percent of the budget should go to the writer, director, and actor, while the remaining 80 percent should be allocated to making and marketing the film. The producer also revealed that he has applied this rule to the production of Ramayana.

Who will direct 'Brahmastra 2'?

During a rapid-fire segment, Malhotra was asked to choose between Sooraj Barjatya and Sandeep Reddy Vanga as the director of Brahmastra 2. Without hesitation, he picked the Animal filmmaker.

Meanwhile, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana will be released in two parts — the first during Diwali 2026 and the second in Diwali 2027.