Jr NTR’s body double rejects 'War 2' over meagre pay

Jr NTR’s stunt double, Eshwar Harris—best known for stepping in during key sequences of

S. S. Rajamouli

’s RRR—has turned down a role in

Ayan Mukerji

’s '

War 2

'. Eshwar explained that the pay offered was so meagre that it “probably wouldn’t even cover his flight charges.”
In a conversation with Mana Stars, Eshwar recounted that the invitation came with a very tight timeline and a dismal fee. “Recently, I was asked if I would like to work on War 2. I did not do it because of the remuneration. They asked me to come to Mumbai on the next flight I could get. But the payment was so low, it probably wouldn’t even cover my flight charges.”

He went on to criticise Bollywood’s compensation practices in comparison with regional industries. “Bollywood is worse than us; I’m getting paid better here (in Hyderabad and Tollywood). You have such high budgets; you should be paying more. I was asked to work for three days, but I turned it down because it’s barely enough to cover my travel.”

Yash Raj Films’ War 2 is directed by Ayan Mukerji, while the first instalment was helmed by Siddharth Anand. It is part of the

YRF Spy Universe

, following Ek Tha Tiger, War and Pathaan.

Hrithik Roshan will return as Major Kabir Dhaliwal, and Jr NTR makes his Bollywood debut. Kiara Advani also features in the cast, with the film scheduled for release on August 14. Following War 2, the universe expands further with Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari.