In a career-defining financial milestone, Shahid Kapoor has signed on for the second season of the hit series “Farzi” for a staggering fee of ₹40-45 crores, making this the largest pay cheque of his acting career . This unprecedented figure signals not just the massive success of the first season but also highlights how streaming platforms are reshaping what top Bollywood stars can earn.
The actor, who typically commands ₹25-30 crores per theatrical film, has seen a significant compensation boost for his work in the digital space . This premium payment structure for OTT content demonstrates the evolving landscape of actor remuneration in India’s entertainment industry.
The Numbers Behind the Record Fee
According to multiple industry reports, Shahid Kapoor’s fee for Farzi 2 represents a remarkable jump from his standard asking price:
| Project Type | Typical Fee (in ₹ crore) | Farzi 2 Fee (in ₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Theatrical Films | 25-30 | 40-45 |
| OTT Series | N/A | 40-45 |
Industry sources indicate that Kapoor has different fee structures for OTT projects versus traditional theatrical releases, allowing him to command premium compensation for successful streaming properties .
What We Know About Farzi 2
Production timelines are already taking shape for the highly anticipated sequel. While Shahid is currently wrapping up filming for Cocktail 2 alongside Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, he’s expected to dedicate six months to Farzi 2 starting January 2026 .
The directors Raj & DK, fresh off other commitments including Rakht Brahmand, are diving into pre-production for what promises to be an even bigger season . According to insider reports, audiences can expect the show to hit Amazon Prime Video sometime in the second half of 2026 or early 2027 .
The first season of Farzi followed a struggling artist named Sunny, played by Kapoor, who gets drawn into the world of counterfeit currency alongside his best friend. The show featured an acclaimed ensemble cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Kay Kay Menon, Raashii Khanna, and Bhuvan Arora .
Why This Paycheck Matters in Bollywood
This ₹40-45 crore fee places Shahid Kapoor in an elite category of Bollywood earners and signals several industry shifts:
OTT Valuation of Stars: Streaming platforms are demonstrating their willingness to pay premium rates for A-list talent to anchor successful franchises . The business model for hit OTT series differs from theatrical releases, allowing for different compensation structures that can sometimes exceed what stars make from films.
Proven Success Commands Premiums: The first season of Farzi emerged as one of the most successful non-franchise Indian OTT shows, outperforming other buzzy series like Aryan Khan’s “The Ba***ds of Bollywood” and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi” in viewership buzz . This success has directly translated into higher compensation for the lead actor.
Career High for Shahid: For an actor who began his career with a ₹1.5 lakh paycheck for his debut film “Ishq Vishk” in 2003, this ₹40 crore fee represents an extraordinary journey . His continued box office appeal with films like “Kabir Singh” (which grossed over ₹300 crores) and recent “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” (for which he earned ₹25 crores) has steadily built his market value .
Shahid’s Packed Schedule and Diverse Roles
Beyond Farzi 2, Shahid Kapoor maintains a busy slate that showcases his versatility:
- Cocktail 2: Currently wrapping production on this sequel alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon, expected to wrap by December 2025
- Arjun Ustara: Reuniting with director Vishal Bhardwaj for this film featuring Triptii Dimri, Randeep Hooda, and Nana Patekar
- Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues: Preparing for this mythological action film
This diverse project lineup demonstrates Kapoor’s strategic balancing of commercial sequels with prestige director collaborations, maintaining both his market value and artistic credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Shahid Kapoor charging for Farzi 2?
Shahid Kapoor’s fee for Farzi 2 is reported to be between ₹40-45 crores, making it the highest payment of his career .
When will Farzi 2 be released?
While not officially confirmed, production timelines suggest Farzi 2 will likely premiere in the second half of 2026 or early 2027 on Amazon Prime Video .
How does this OTT fee compare to what Shahid charges for films?
The ₹40-45 crores for Farzi 2 represents a significant premium over his typical theatrical film fee of ₹25-30 crores per movie .
What other projects does Shahid Kapoor have coming up?
Kapoor is currently filming Cocktail 2 and has Arjun Ustara with Vishal Bhardwaj and Ashwatthama: The Saga Continues in various stages of production .
Why is Shahid getting paid more for an OTT series than for films?
Industry sources suggest he has a different fee structure for OTT projects, and the premium compensation reflects the massive success of the first season of Farzi, which became one of the most buzzworthy non-franchise Indian OTT shows .
The Bigger Picture: OTT Changing Star Compensation
Shahid Kapoor’s record-breaking paycheck for Farzi 2 represents more than just personal career milestone—it signals a fundamental shift in how Indian actors are compensated in the streaming era. As OTT platforms continue to compete for audience attention, proven stars who can anchor successful franchises are commanding unprecedented fees.
This trend benefits not only established A-listers but also raises compensation standards industry-wide. As the lines between theatrical and digital prestige continue to blur, actors are finding new opportunities to leverage their star power across different formats.
What do you think about these rising pay scales in the OTT space? Are there other actors you’ve seen benefit similarly from the streaming boom? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Follow for more updates on Bollywood’s evolving relationship with streaming platforms and behind-the-scenes insights into your favorite stars and projects.
