John Abraham says it’s ‘mental’ that stylists get paid Rs 2 lakh per day, believes entourage costs are ‘bleeding’ the film industry: ‘How much more will you suck the system dry?’

John suggested that before anything else, actors should cut down their fees and be open to hearing from directors if they aren’t worth the amount they demand. He said, “First thing to make amends is by cutting your personal cost. When a director tells you that you aren’t worth that much, you need to take that in cognizance. We don’t have that thought yet. We compare ourselves to other actors, and we want to broadcast our fees, and that’s the worst thing to do.”

He further emphasised that actors need to acknowledge the industry’s crisis and focus on making films rather than draining resources. He said, “Actors should admit that we are down the deep black hole, and actors should go to the backend and work on the film. Actors should say that if the films make profit, we make profits because we have earned our millions. How much more will you suck the system dry?”

However, John did not place the blame solely on actors. He also called out producers for paying exorbitant fees to actors in the hope of securing a good opening for their films. “But producers are all willing to pay those obscene amounts as well.” John insisted that the industry’s core issue lies in its failure to focus on content, stressing how filmmakers are prioritizing star power over strong storytelling. He said, “Make films, don’t make proposals. Today no actor can get you any opening. Get your content right and cast actors according to the script.”

He also pointed out how studios are reluctant to take risks on actors beyond established stars, choosing to play it safe instead. This, he suggested, is another major factor preventing the industry from evolving.