Kamal Haasan urges industry to prepare for economic challenges ahead

Legendary actor Kamal Haasan said that the Indian film industry must pay attention to the “growing disconnect between spending and purpose” amid the West Asia crisis. The veteran urged an industry-wide conversation on how to “collectively navigate the economic challenges ahead.”

On May 15, 2026, Kamal Haasan took to X to express his concerns. The actor warned that the “rising cost will not affect the film production alone.” “Consumer spending patterns for entertainment may also change in the months ahead due to inflationary pressures.”

Kamal Haasan stressed that people involved in filmmaking must “ensure every rupees spent serves the film.” However, the actor added that the economic planning shouldn’t affect “workers wages.”

“Any correction in cinema economics must never come at the cost of workers’ wages, safety, dignity, food, transport, accomodation, or humane working conditions. The burden cannot fall on those who labour the hardest.”

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The actor also took a dig at Indian filmmakers’ tendency to shoot abroad. “Why must every love story bloom only in Paris, and every honeymoon end in Switzerland? Romance, fortunately, does not require foreign exchange. Indian cinema, and Indians, deserve a little more confidence in themselves and our beautiful country.”

Kamal Haasan called for an industry-wide conversation between producers, actors, directors, unions, studios, exhibitors, distributors, OTT platforms and guilds on “how to collectively navigate the economic challenges ahead.”

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan is set to shoot with superstar Rajinikanth, marking a reunion of two veteran Tamil stars after four decades. Tentatively titled KHxRK, the movie is directed by Nelson and produced by Red Giant Movies.