Kamal Haasan, actor and president of Makkal Needhi Maiam, has urged the Indian film industry to reduce high-cost overseas shooting and adopt more sustainable production practices.
In a statement, he pointed to continuing tensions in West Asia and the resulting pressure on global energy, trade and economic stability. He said India is also feeling the impact through rising fuel, logistics and overall production costs.
Haasan warned that escalating budgets affect not only film production but could also influence consumer spending on entertainment in the coming months. He said the burden would be felt across the ecosystem—producers, workers, theatres, distributors and financiers—if costs continue to climb.
He stressed that any cost correction should not come at the expense of workers’ wages, safety, food, transport or accommodation. Instead, he said the focus must be on reducing waste, improving planning, limiting unnecessary foreign travel, avoiding production delays and ensuring spending serves the film rather than mere spectacle.
Calling for collective discussions among producers, actors, directors, theatre owners, distributors, OTT platforms and labour unions, Haasan advocated discipline on sets, curbing luxury expenses, restricting overseas travel and making greater use of domestic locations and studios. He added that the industry must act responsibly and prioritise the country’s interests, noting cinema’s wider cultural influence and public reach.
