Movies

Ravi Teja Sets New Remuneration Benchmark After Irumudi Triumph

Ravi Teja, buoyed by Irumudi's success, now demands ₹40 crore for Thulabharam, including Nizam rights. With digital deals down, producers face high risk.

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Dumtika Editorial

October 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Ravi Teja Sets New Remuneration Benchmark After Irumudi Triumph

(Image: Dumtika Editorial)

Key Highlights

  • Ravi Teja demands ₹40 crore for Thulabharam after Irumudi's success
  • Remuneration includes a major share in Nizam theatrical rights
  • Dil Raju hesitant to pay, project currently on hold
  • Digital and satellite markets for Ravi Teja's films have declined

Ravi Teja, riding high after the success of Irumudi, has shifted his approach to film remuneration, making headlines in Tollywood. After a period marked by box office setbacks, the actor had previously agreed to work on a profit-sharing model, collaborating with producer Dil Raju and director Laxman for two films under these terms. However, the strong performance of Irumudi has prompted Ravi Teja to reconsider his pay structure.

According to industry sources, Ravi Teja is now seeking a substantial fee for his upcoming project Thulabharam. He is set to receive ₹40 crore, which includes a significant portion of the Nizam theatrical rights. This move marks a notable change from his earlier willingness to accept reduced upfront payments in exchange for a share of profits. The production of Thulabharam, directed by Vivek Athreya, is reported to involve a large supporting cast and a sizeable budget, adding to the financial stakes for the producers.

The risk is heightened by the current market conditions, with digital and satellite deals for Ravi Teja’s films seeing a sharp decline. The once-robust Hindi satellite and YouTube markets for his movies have diminished, making theatrical success even more critical. With Dil Raju reportedly hesitant to meet the new remuneration demand, the project has been put on hold for now. The outcome of Thulabharam will likely depend on its box office performance, as the high costs make it a significant gamble for all involved.