Tollywood : Mrunal Thakur’s High Remuneration Raises Eyebrows

In an industry where actresses often find themselves at the mercy of their managers regarding payments and commissions, the case of Mrunal Thakur stands out. The actress, who gained significant recognition in the South with her role in “Sita Ramam,” is now at the centre of a debate over her high remuneration. Her manager, who has a history of negotiating high fees for the actresses he represents, is reportedly demanding more than Rs 3 crore for her roles.

Mrunal’s Meteoric Rise

Before her breakthrough in the South, Mrunal was already a known face in the North for her role in the daily soap “Kumkum Bhagya” and films like “Love Sonia” and “Super 30.” Her recent appearance in “Made In Heaven 2” has also added to her fame. However, it’s her role in “Sita Ramam” that has made her a sought-after name in Tollywood.

The “Hi Nanna” Controversy

A source from the film “Hi Nanna,” in which Mrunal stars opposite Nani, revealed that she was paid an amount exceeding Rs 2.5 crore. “Her staff, who are from Mumbai, also charge a hefty fee, and their transportation expenses are quite burdensome for the producer,” the source added. This has led to questions about the justification for such high remuneration, especially when Mrunal is still establishing her presence in the South.

Industry Reactions

Madhusudhan Reddy, a senior production manager, weighed in on the issue. “Tollywood requires actresses who can speak Telugu fluently. Actresses from the North have always been in demand, and this is why their managers quote such high fees,” he said.

The Manager’s Track Record

It’s worth noting that Rashmika Mandanna, another actress who has made a mark in the South, parted ways with the same agency that currently represents Mrunal. The manager also represents Sreeleela and was instrumental in casting Mrunal over Rashmika in the upcoming Vijay Deverakonda and Parasuram film.

The Big Question

While Mrunal’s talent is undeniable, the high remuneration has raised questions about the role of managers in inflating the market value of actresses. As Tollywood grapples with this issue, it remains to be seen how this will impact Mrunal’s career trajectory and whether it will set a new precedent for actress remunerations in the industry.