Kriti Sanon says audiences can help change Bollywood’s pay equation by supporting female-led films. Reports link her upcoming project to a Maddock Films horror production.
Kriti Sanon has said she will headline an upcoming film as its solo lead, while calling on audiences to give women-led cinema the commercial support needed to influence budgets and actors’ pay.
In remarks reported by Bollywood Hungama on October 24, the actress connected the debate over unequal remuneration with the business expectations surrounding a film. More substantial roles are becoming available to women, she said, but the difference in fees remains an issue.
Kriti wants audience support to translate into ticket sales
Speaking about her next solo-led project, Kriti said, “Make it a blockbuster, and things will change.”
Her appeal was for viewers to support a film regardless of whether a man or woman leads it. She expressed hope that a female-fronted release could achieve the kind of business associated with a male star’s film.
Kriti also acknowledged the opportunities created by streaming platforms and writers developing substantial female characters. However, she explained that producers’ spending decisions are influenced by expected theatrical returns and the prices platforms pay for films and actors.
What reports say about the Maddock horror project
The solo-lead announcement comes amid reporting about a possible horror film with Maddock Films.
Variety India reported on October 14 that Kriti would headline an untitled, large-scale production conceived as an out-and-out horror film. Its report said preparation and pre-production were underway.
Filmfare separately reported that Amit Sharma would direct the project and described it as distinct from Maddock’s established horror-comedy universe. Those details were attributed to sources rather than a formal production announcement.
What remains unconfirmed
Kriti’s statement about taking on a solo-lead film should be distinguished from the production details circulating around it. The October 23 Moneycontrol report said the makers had not announced the title, cast or release date.
