COVID-19 crisis: Vijay Antony offers to slash salary by Rs1 crore for next 3 films

Tamil actor Vijay Antony announced a cut of Rs1 crore in remuneration for his upcoming three projects today, keeping in mind the lossees faced by his producers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the actor has three Tamil projects in hand, Agni Siragugal (2020), Tamizharasan and Khaki, at various stages of production. 

A statement released by the actor's spokesperson said, “As Tamil cinema got affected due to coronavirus lockdown from March 2020, the completion and releases of these three films were delayed by three months and by the time these films release, it may take another 3-4 months. Considering the loss that will be incurred by the producers of these three films and with a view to support them overcome from this situation, Vijay Antony came forward  and offered 25% reduction in his salary for these films.”

The 25% pay cut can be estimated to Rs1 crore per project.

Commenting on the actor’s magnanimous gesture to reduce his salary, producer T Siva said: “It is very kind of Vijay Antony to accept a salary reduction considering the situation we are in due to the lockdown for over 50 days. We request that all actors and technicians should also come forward and accept reduced salaries so that the overall cost of all the current film producers reduces to tide over this crisis that all of us are facing currently.”

It is to be seen whether other actors will come forward and support this decision. Several producers are contemplating the idea of discussing salary reductions with their actors on the projects they are currently working on.