Director Atlee, best known for the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan, is reportedly gearing up for his next big project with Telugu superstar Allu Arjun. Following the massive success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Allu Arjun is in high demand, and recent reports suggest that Atlee is making headlines for his staggering remuneration demand.
According to sources, the filmmaker is charging a whopping $12 million for directing the film, making it one of the highest fees for an Indian director.
Atlee initially planned a project with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. However, budget constraints led to the film being shelved. With that project not materializing, the director shifted his focus to a commercial entertainer with Allu Arjun. But this venture, too, is reportedly facing financial concerns due to Atlee’s steep fee.
While there is no official confirmation regarding his paycheck, the speculation has stirred conversations within the industry. Typically, such massive paychecks are reserved for top-tier actors like Thalapathy Vijay and Allu Arjun. Atlee’s demand has raised eyebrows, leaving producers in a dilemma about whether to meet his expectations.
Adding to the buzz, reports indicate that the makers are considering Janhvi Kapoor as the leading lady for the film. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding her involvement.
Meanwhile, Allu Arjun continues to bask in the glory of Pushpa 2: The Rule. The sequel to Pushpa: The Rise has set new benchmarks at the box office, earning over $205 million worldwide. The film, directed by Sukumar, also features Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in key roles, solidifying Allu Arjun’s status as one of the most bankable stars in the industry. His unique style, gripping performances, and pan-India appeal have made him a sought-after name in Indian cinema.
Atlee rose to prominence with his successful collaborations with Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay, directing blockbuster hits like Theri, Mersal, and Bigil. However, it was his Bollywood debut, Jawan, that catapulted him to pan-India fame. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathi, Jawan emerged as a box-office phenomenon, further cementing Atlee’s reputation as a master of commercial cinema.
Following the success of Jawan, Atlee turned producer with Baby John, a film featuring Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, and Wamiqa Gabbi. With multiple projects in the pipeline, his next directorial venture has become one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema.
The news of Atlee’s high fee has sparked debates among trade analysts and film industry insiders. Some believe that his track record justifies the amount, while others argue that such figures should be reserved for lead actors rather than directors. Regardless, if the collaboration with Allu Arjun goes through, it promises to be a cinematic spectacle.
Katrina Kaif reacts to postpartum beauty comments, reveals her 'skin became sensitive' and 'feeling best matters more'
Katrina Kaif attends the green carpet at the NEXA IIFA Awards at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre on March 09, 2025 in Jaipur, India.
Katrina Kaif has spent much of her career being associated with beauty — from modeling and Bollywood films to red-carpet appearances and her makeup business. But motherhood has changed the way the actor looks at her appearance.
In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kaif spoke about beauty standards, self-care and the changes she experienced after giving birth. Her comments come as paparazzi photographs and videos of the actor have drawn harsh reactions online, with some social media users comparing her postpartum appearance with how she looked earlier in her career.
Rather than focusing on returning to her old appearance, Kaif said her priorities have changed. For her, looking her best now starts with feeling her best.
Katrina Kaif reacts to changing beauty standards
Kaif recalled the pressure surrounding beauty when she began her modeling and acting career. She said there were many stereotypes about what women were expected to look like.
Today, she views beauty differently.
“Looking my best is really about feeling my best,” Kaif said, explaining that taking care of herself as a whole has become more important.
She linked that feeling to several aspects of her lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, managing inflammation, meditating and spending time away from her phone. She also mentioned getting natural light in the morning as part of her routine.
For Kaif, the connection between health and appearance is straightforward: when she feels healthy, she believes that confidence naturally shows on the outside.
Her comments come at a time when celebrity appearances continue to receive intense scrutiny online. Paparazzi posts featuring Kaif have attracted comments about her postpartum body and appearance, with some users comparing recent images with photographs from earlier stages of her career.
Her skin changed after giving birth
Kaif also opened up about a specific physical change she noticed after pregnancy.
According to the actor, her skin became significantly more sensitive after giving birth. That made it difficult for her to determine which products were actually working for her.
She is now focusing on what she describes as deep cellular hydration, strengthening her skin barrier and keeping her skin calm and resilient.
Dermatologist Dr. Shireen Furtado, senior consultant in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Aster CMI Hospital, explained that postpartum hormonal changes, stress, sleep disruption and dehydration can affect the skin in different ways.
Skin may become drier, more sensitive, oilier or more prone to pigmentation after childbirth. Because of those changes, she advised new mothers to focus on basic skin health instead of trying to immediately recreate their pre-pregnancy appearance.
Kaif’s postpartum approach is more about self-care
For Kaif, the shift appears to be bigger than skincare. Motherhood has changed the way she defines looking good.
Instead of chasing a particular appearance, she is emphasizing health, balance and understanding what her body and skin need at a particular stage.
Furtado similarly recommends keeping postpartum skincare simple, with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen as a starting point. She also cautions against unnecessary products, harsh scrubs, strong exfoliants and irritating fragrances when skin is sensitive.
Some ingredients, including retinoids, require particular caution during breastfeeding and should be discussed with a dermatologist before use.
Kaif's comments offer a different perspective on the pressure faced by women after childbirth, particularly public figures whose appearances are constantly photographed and discussed.
Her message is less about looking the way she did before motherhood and more about feeling comfortable in the person she is now. For an actor whose appearance has been part of public conversation throughout her career, that represents a noticeable shift in how she approaches beauty.