From Rs 65,000 to crores; Fahadh Faasil's journey from 'Chaappa Kurishu' to stardom
It's a known fact that the versatile actor
Fahadh Faasil
's first attempt in cinema was not a successful one as his debut film 'Kaiyethum Doorath' flopped at the box office. The actor then made his second innings which was indeed a grand success.
Producer
Listin Stephen
has recently shared how Mollywood star Fahadh Faasil was paid just Rs 1 lakh for his role in the 2011 thriller 'Chaappa Kurishu'.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the South Indian Film Academy, where Fahadh was the chief guest, Listin reflected on the actor's extraordinary journey from those early days to becoming one of the most sought-after names in
Indian cinema
.
"When we worked on Chaappa Kurishu, Fahadh never even asked for a fixed payment.
He simply told me to pay whatever I felt was right once the film was done. Later, he mentioned that he had been paid Rs 65,000 for 'Tournament', so I decided to give him Rs 1 lakh for this film,' Listin recalled.
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From rejection to relentless rise
Listin also revealed that before 'Chaappa Kurishu', many advised him against casting Fahadh. At that time, the actor had faced setbacks after his debut in 'Kaiyethum Doorathu', which didn't perform well.
A long hiatus followed, with Fahadh returning to the screen in 'Kerala Cafe' and 'Tournament', before landing the lead in 'Chaappa Kurishu'.
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'Everyone told Listin not to cast me, but he went ahead anyway,' Fahadh said, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him.
The film went on to become a success and is still considered one of Fahadh's most memorable works. In fact, in a recent interview, the actor named it among the best films of his career — a moment that Listin says he even screenshotted for keeps.
Now a name worth crores
Fast forward to today, Fahadh Faasil's star power has soared to such heights that even a fee of Rs 5 to Rs 10 crore can't guarantee his dates. Listin pointed out that the actor's growth exemplifies the unpredictability and magic of cinema.
As Listin put it, 'Back then, he was just another struggling actor. Today, he is someone every filmmaker dreams of working with — and not just for his talent, but for the sincerity and depth he brings to every role.'
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