Ajay Devgn has reportedly made history in Indian cinema by becoming the highest-paid Indian actor per minute. According to industry sources and multiple entertainment news portals, the Bollywood superstar charged an eye-watering ₹35 crore for his brief yet impactful 8-minute cameo in S.S. Rajamouli’s 2022 blockbuster RRR. That works out to ₹4.35 crore per minute — a staggering amount that surpasses all known records in Indian film pay scales.
The revelation has taken social media and film circles by storm. Devgn’s role, though brief, was a crucial turning point in the story, portraying a freedom fighter who inspires the lead character, played by Ram Charan. Despite the short screen time, Devgn’s performance was praised by both fans and critics, and now the price tag on it has made headlines once again.
Highest-Ever Per-Minute Fee in Indian Cinema
To put this into perspective, many top-tier Bollywood actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar typically earn between ₹100–₹200 crore per film, but those roles often require months of shooting and extensive promotional work. Ajay Devgn’s RRR appearance was reportedly shot over just a few days, making his per-minute rate unparalleled in the history of Indian cinema.
Until now, the record for the highest per-minute fee was loosely attributed to cameo appearances by stars like Rajinikanth or Aamir Khan, who charged between ₹5–₹10 crore for special roles. But Devgn’s ₹35 crore fee sets a new benchmark, especially considering the limited screen time.
Why Was He Paid So Much?
Industry insiders say that Rajamouli specifically wanted Ajay Devgn for the role due to the gravity and depth his presence could bring to the film. The director was reportedly adamant about having Devgn onboard and was willing to pay whatever it took.
A source close to the production told Koimoi, “Rajamouli believed only someone with Ajay Devgn’s aura could do justice to that flashback sequence. It was short but vital to the emotional depth of the story. The remuneration reflects not just the actor’s stardom but also the importance of the scene.”
A Smart Investment?
Given RRR’s massive success — the film grossed over ₹1,200 crore globally — paying ₹35 crore for a crucial scene featuring a superstar may have been a well-calculated investment. It added star power to the cast, alongside NTR Jr, Ram Charan, and Alia Bhatt, and helped attract pan-India attention.
Devgn, who has consistently been among Bollywood’s top earners, has now added a rare feather to his cap — the highest paid Indian actor per minute. With several big-ticket projects lined up, including Singham Again and Raid 2, it’s safe to say that the actor is riding a wave of both popularity and profitability.
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