Since its modest beginnings, the Indian OTT content industry has seen a significant transformation. Initially, low-budget slice-of-life dramas were released on sites such as The Viral Fever (TVF). But with the entry of major firms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, the scene was altered. With their exceptional cinematic quality, shows like “Inside Edge” and “Sacred Games” broke previous records and elevated Indian OTT programming to unprecedented heights. Actors’ pay increased significantly throughout this growth, making OTT a profitable path for talent.
Priyanka Chopra Leads the OTT Pay Scale with Citadel
Because of her performance in Prime Video’s “Citadel,” Priyanka Chopra is currently the highest-paid actor in the Indian OTT market. Under the direction of the Russo Brothers, this ambitious project apparently had an astounding $250 million (about Rs 2000 crore) budget. Priyanka got the same salary as her male co-star Richard Madden for the first time in her career. Though the precise amounts are unknown, industry estimates put the performers’ earnings at $25–30 million (about Rs. 200–250 crore). Surprisingly, Priyanka’s pay for “Citadel” exceeds the total production budget of “Heeramandi,” the most expensive series in India.
Ajay Devgn and Other High Earners in the OTT Realm
Just before Priyanka’s massive pay, Ajay Devgn was the highest-paid over-the-top star in India. From the Disney+ Hotstar series “Rudra: Edge of Darkness,” he received an incredible pay of Rs 125 crore. Most Indian stars often earn between Rs. 10 and 15 crore for each OTT series. For instance, Kareena Kapoor earned Rs 12 crore for “Jaane Jaan,” Manoj Bajpayee received Rs 10 crore for “The Family Man,” and Alia Bhatt received Rs 15 crore for “Darlings.”
The Rise of OTT
The development of over-the-top (OTT) platforms has not only improved the calibre of Indian shows but also greatly boosted actor pay. The rise of Indian OTT content from modest beginnings to multi-crore salaries is indicative of a larger change in the entertainment sector. The future of over-the-top content (OTT) in India appears extremely promising, with celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra spearheading the charge and establishing new standards for actor remuneration and production quality.
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