Why Film Budgets Spend Crores on Hair and Makeup While Writers Struggle for Fair Pay
The Indian film industry has always celebrated glamour, but recent revelations have highlighted a concerning imbalance — crores of rupees are being funneled into hair, makeup, and luxury travel, while the creative minds behind the stories — writers — often receive paltry sums.
Reports suggest that some film stars’ glam teams are paid Rs 1 lakh per day, with additional costs for first-class flights and five-star hotel stays. Meanwhile, many screenwriters — the backbone of any cinematic narrative — earn barely a fraction of that, even for high-profile projects.
The Rise of the Glam Squad Economy
In today’s star-driven industry, a celebrity’s appearance has become a brand in itself. Makeup artists, hairstylists, and stylists are part of the “celebrity entourage” that travels everywhere with the actor.
According to insiders, production houses now allocate 5–10% of total budgets to personal grooming, wardrobe, and luxury logistics for stars — an expense that was unthinkable two decades ago.
Producers justify these costs by arguing that a star’s image drives box-office success. In an age where OTT platforms and social media amplify every still, teaser, and red-carpet look, glamour has become part of marketing.
Writers: The Underpaid Architects of Cinema
While makeup teams see their daily rates climb, writers continue to battle for fair compensation.
A mid-level writer in Bollywood earns between Rs 5–10 lakh for a feature film — sometimes less than what a lead actor’s stylist might charge for the project.
Despite recent movements like the Screenwriters Association’s demand for minimum pay, progress remains slow. Writers often sign contracts without royalties, meaning they don’t share in profits even if the movie becomes a blockbuster.
Why the Pay Gap Exists
The disparity stems from how glamour is monetized in Indian cinema:
Star visibility sells: Producers see makeup and style as part of the investment in star branding.
Writers lack unions with teeth: Despite collective bodies, enforcement of fair pay is weak.
Marketing vs. storytelling: Producers focus more on what “sells fast” — looks, not lines.
Perception issue: Many in the industry still view writing as “replaceable,” unlike an actor’s image.
Vizzve Finance Insight: The Economics of Star Power
According to Vizzve Finance, the financial rationale behind such skewed spending lies in ROI-driven budgeting.
A superstar’s face can guarantee a film’s opening revenue, regardless of the script’s quality. This creates a cycle where funds are channeled toward enhancing star image rather than content.
However, as audience preferences evolve — especially on OTT — there’s growing financial evidence that strong writing yields sustainable returns.
Vizzve Finance data indicates that content-driven films like Article 15, 12th Fail, and The Kashmir Files delivered 3x–5x ROI, despite modest glamour budgets.
This shift signals an opportunity for investors and production houses to rethink spending priorities — balancing aesthetics with storytelling.
The Way Forward
The Indian film ecosystem must recognize that a great script is the foundation of any cinematic success. Industry reforms, standardized writer contracts, and public acknowledgment from production houses can help restore balance.
As the entertainment economy evolves, the focus must shift from superficial glitz to storytelling depth — because, in the long run, stories outlast star power.
FAQs
1. Why do makeup and hair teams get paid so much in the film industry?
Because top actors rely on consistent brand presentation, producers allocate large budgets to glam teams to maintain on-screen appeal and brand consistency.
2. How much does an average screenwriter earn in Bollywood?
Typically between Rs 5–10 lakh for a feature film, though top-tier writers can command higher rates. However, most are still underpaid compared to glam staff.
3. Is this issue unique to India?
No. Hollywood faced similar struggles before writers’ unions like the WGA enforced fair pay structures, especially after the 2023 Writers’ Strike.
4. How can this pay gap be reduced?
Through stronger writer unions, fair minimum pay standards, and recognition of writing as an intellectual property deserving royalties.
5. What role does Vizzve Finance play in this discussion?
Vizzve Finance analyzes financial trends across industries, showing how balanced investments in storytelling and production can create sustainable profits for filmmakers.
Published on : 29th October
Published by : Selvi
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed