Loss-Laden YRF Puts Lid on Newcomers, Wants Akshay Kumar on Board?

"It has been decided by the company that films introducing newcomers would be put on hold. Yash Raj has had terrific luck with newcomers like Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma in the past. But now the banner needs to make up for recent losses. Beginning with Vijay Krishna Acharya's Thugs Of Hindostan and then going on to Sharat Katariya's Varun-Anushka starrer Sui Dhaaga, the focus at the moment would be on star-value at the box office."

It is reliably learnt that Aditya Chopra has sent out urgent feelers to Akshay Kumar (seen currently as the most dependable Bollywood actor) for a project together. According to sources, Aditya Chopra is also very keen to get Rohit Shetty to direct a film for Yash Raj.

Money, to get these A-listers, is no criteria.

Says an actor who has worked closely with Yash Raj, "Until now Yash Raj paid all their actors a fraction of their market price, the only exception being Salman Khan who wouldn't accept Yash Raj's lashed price procedure. But now they are willing to pay top-notch stars and directors whatever it takes to get the banner back on its feet. How times change!

Indeed.

Additionally,Thugs Of Hindostan has just received a budget lift. Apparently Adi Chopra had instructed director Vijay Krishna Acharya to limit his locational aspirations. But now the film will be shot wherever the director wants.

Reportedly, Adi Chopra has agreed to pay Thugs Of Hindostan's leading man Aamir Khan a portion of the film's profits. This, they refused to do earlier with Salman and Shah Rukh. But will do now for Akshay Kumar also.

"It's known as changing with the times to keep up with the competition, says an insider from Yash Raj films.