Ustaad Bhagat Singh is one of the most talked-about Telugu films of 2026, starring Pawan Kalyan in a powerful mass role. With a big budget and high expectations, fans are curious about how much the cast earned and how much the film cost to make.
The film is backed by Mythri Movie Makers and is directed by Harish Shankar. While official numbers are not fully confirmed, trade reports and industry estimates give a clear idea of the cast salaries and overall budget.
Ustaad Bhagat Singh Movie Budget
The budget of Ustaad Bhagat Singh is estimated to be between ₹150 crore and ₹210 crore. Some reports even suggest that the total investment, including promotions and VFX, could go higher.
This big budget reflects the scale of the film, including action sequences, international locations, and strong production values. The makers are aiming for a pan-India appeal, which increases both cost and expectations.
Estimated Budget Breakdown
| Category | Estimated Cost (₹ Crore) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Production Budget | 150–180 | Shooting, cast fees, and locations |
| VFX and Action | 50+ | High-end action sequences |
| Music and Sound | 12+ | Devi Sri Prasad’s composition |
| Promotions and Marketing | 20–30 | Pre-release events, ads |
| Total Estimated Budget | 150–210+ | Including all costs |
The film has also reportedly recovered a significant amount through OTT rights, with Netflix acquiring streaming rights for around ₹80+ crore.
Pawan Kalyan Salary for Ustaad Bhagat Singh
Pawan Kalyan is the highest-paid actor in the film, but interestingly, he has taken a pay cut compared to his usual fee. Reports suggest that he charged around ₹25 crore, along with an advance of ₹5 crore.
This is much lower than his typical remuneration, which is said to be between ₹100 crore and ₹170 crore. The pay cut is reportedly due to his strong relationship with the producers and previous project delays.

Lead Actor Salary Comparison
| Actor | Reported Salary (₹ Crore) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pawan Kalyan | 25 + 5 advance | Reduced fee compared to usual |
| Sreeleela | Reduced fee compared to the usual | Lower than her recent peak fee |
| Raashii Khanna | 1 – 3 | Varies across reports |
These figures are based on trade estimates and are not officially confirmed by the makers.
Sreeleela Salary and Role
Sreeleela plays the primary female lead in the film and has reportedly earned between ₹2.5 crore and ₹3 crore. This is slightly lower than her recent fees in other big projects.
Despite recent box office struggles, she remains one of the most in-demand young actresses. This film is expected to be an important step in her career.
Raashii Khanna Remuneration
Raashii Khanna, who plays a key role in the film, has reportedly been charged between ₹1 crore and ₹1.5 crore. Some sources suggest her fee could go up to ₹3 crore depending on screen time and contract structure.
Her role is expected to add emotional depth to the storyline, making her an important part of the narrative.
Also Read: Ustaad Bhagat Singh Release Date: When Will Pawan Kalyan’s Movie Hit Theatres?
Director and Music Team Fees
Director Harish Shankar’s remuneration has not been publicly disclosed. However, given his track record with commercial entertainers, he is expected to have a significant share in profits or a high fixed fee.
Music composer Devi Sri Prasad is believed to be charging around ₹12 crore plus GST, based on his recent market value after major hits like Pushpa.
Why Pawan Kalyan Took a Pay Cut
One of the biggest talking points is Pawan Kalyan’s reduced salary. Reports suggest that he agreed to a lower fee to support the producers, who had backed him during delays in other projects.
This strategy also allows the film to maintain a balanced budget while still investing heavily in action and production quality. It could also mean that the actor may earn more through profit-sharing after release.
Production Scale and Shooting Locations
The film has been shot across multiple locations in India and abroad. Large portions of the movie include action-packed sequences, which contribute significantly to the budget.
The makers have focused on creating a visually rich cinematic experience. This includes high-end VFX, large sets, and stylized action scenes.
Revenue Recovery and Business Strategy
With such a big budget, the film relies on multiple revenue streams. Theatrical rights in Telugu states alone have reportedly fetched around ₹120 crore.
OTT rights, satellite deals, and music rights also play a key role in recovering costs before release. This reduces financial risk and ensures a safer business model.
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Ustaad Bhagat Singh Cast Overview
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Bhagat Singh | Pawan Kalyan |
| Female Lead | Sreeleela |
| Shloka | Raashii Khanna |
| Director | Harish Shankar |
| Music | Devi Sri Prasad |
The cast combines star power with commercial appeal, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Box Office Expectations
Given the scale and star value, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is expected to perform strongly at the box office. However, the high budget means the film needs a solid opening and sustained performance to be considered successful.
Trade analysts suggest that the film must cross major revenue benchmarks to justify its investment. Audience response, music success, and word of mouth will play a key role.


