Chennai: Kamal Haasan has written an open letter to the Indian film fraternity urging producers, actors, distributors and streaming platforms to adopt more efficient and sustainable filmmaking practices amid rising global energy and production costs.
The veteran actor and politician warned that the ongoing energy crisis in West Asia could soon impact India’s entertainment industry through increased fuel, logistics and operational expenses. He called on industry stakeholders to reduce unnecessary extravagance while ensuring that workers’ wages and dignity remain protected.
Kamal stressed that the burden of rising production costs should not ultimately fall on audiences or lower-income workers in the industry.
Kamal Haasan calls for responsible filmmaking
Sharing the two-page letter on social media, Kamal highlighted the growing economic pressures facing the cinema business and urged the industry to prepare for difficult times ahead.
The actor pointed out that film budgets in India have already risen sharply in recent years and could increase further if global energy costs continue to climb.
According to him, the effects would not only impact production houses and financiers but also ordinary moviegoers, who may reduce entertainment spending because of wider economic pressures.
He appealed for a collective effort across the industry to adopt practical and sustainable operating practices.
Workers should not bear the burden, says actor
Kamal made it clear in his statement that any economic corrections within the film industry must not come at the cost of workers’ livelihoods, safety or dignity.
Instead, he suggested reducing avoidable expenses such as poor planning, inflated entourage culture, unnecessary overseas travel and delays during production schedules.
The actor argued that efficient filmmaking can help reduce financial pressure without affecting the quality of cinema or harming workers dependent on the industry.
He also urged major industry leaders to lead by example during this period of uncertainty.
Questions lavish overseas filming trends
In one of the most discussed parts of his letter, Kamal questioned the growing tendency of filmmakers to shoot romantic sequences and songs abroad.
“Why must every love story bloom only in Paris, and every honeymoon end in Switzerland?” he asked while encouraging creators to explore local storytelling and Indian locations.
The actor’s comments sparked debate online, with many industry observers agreeing that excessive spending on foreign shoots and luxury production practices has become increasingly common in mainstream cinema.
Kamal suggested that rooted storytelling and disciplined budgeting could help the industry remain financially stable during challenging economic conditions.
Calls for unity across the industry
The Vikram star also called for dialogue and collaboration among all sectors of the entertainment ecosystem, including producers, exhibitors, distributors and OTT platforms.
He stressed that cinema carries responsibilities beyond entertainment and that the industry should prioritise national interest over individual commercial gains.
“This is a time for national interest over personal interest,” Kamal wrote while encouraging the fraternity to prepare collectively for the economic challenges ahead.
His letter arrives at a time when several film industries across India are facing concerns over escalating budgets, rising ticket prices and inconsistent theatrical revenues.
Kamal Haasan’s upcoming projects
On the professional front, Kamal Haasan will next reprise his role as Yaskin in Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 directed by Nag Ashwin.
He is also set to reunite with Rajinikanth after 46 years for an untitled project directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.
Additionally, Kamal is working on an action film tentatively titled KH237 and is producing projects including Thalaivar 173 and Seyeon under Raaj Kamal Films International.