Shraddha Kapoor not part of Anil Barve-Ektaa Kapoor film? Director reacts to exit rumours

Rumours recently sparked a debate in the film industry after a report claimed Shraddha Kapoor had opted out of an upcoming project directed by Tumbbad fame Rahi Anil Barve and backed by Ekta Kapoor. The reported reason? A fee demand of ?17 crore plus a percentage of the film’s profits—terms the producers allegedly couldn’t agree to.

Shraddha, who has seen commercial success with films like Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar and is part of the much-awaited Stree 3, was reportedly attached to a new thriller being developed by Barve and Ekta Kapoor. But fresh reports suggested that Kapoor’s compensation demands may have led to her stepping away from the project.

Amid this growing chatter, director Rahi Anil Barve addressed the matter directly. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he wrote, “Please don’t believe any of the rumours currently floating all over the media. We’ll be making an official announcement at the right time. Thank you.”

While Barve refrained from confirming or denying Shraddha’s involvement, his post hinted that the current reports may not reflect the actual situation. Earlier sources had claimed that the disagreement over the actress’s fee and profit share had stalled talks, resulting in her decision to exit.

Shraddha Kapoor, meanwhile, continues to juggle multiple high-profile projects. She is officially confirmed to lead Stree 3, the next instalment in the successful Maddock Films horror-comedy franchise, which is slated for release on August 13, 2027.

She is also attached to Naagin: An Epic Tale of Love & Sacrifice, produced by Nikhil Dwivedi and directed by Vishal Furia. On her role as the shape-shifting serpent, she had earlier shared, “It’s an absolute delight for me to play a Naagin on screen. I have grown up watching, admiring and idolising Sridevi ma'am's Nagina and Nigahen.”

Though no other projects have been officially announced, Kapoor is reportedly in early discussions with producers like Bhushan Kumar, Dinesh Vijan, and Boney Kapoor.

If the buzz around her withdrawal turns out to be true, it could once again bring focus to the wider conversation on fee parity and budget limitations in female-led films—an issue still navigating its course in the industry.