Siddhu Jonnalagadda returns Rs 4 Cr to Jack producers

In a rare and commendable gesture, actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda has returned Rs 4 crore—nearly half of his remuneration—for the underperforming film “Jack.” The film, which opened in April to high expectations but ended in disappointment, proved to be a major financial setback for its producers.

Siddhu’s decision to return part of his fee has won him widespread praise from fans, fellow actors, and industry insiders, who are hailing it as a refreshing act of accountability in an industry where such gestures are exceedingly rare.

Jack’s flop

Directed by Bommarillu Bhaskar and produced by BVSN Prasad, “Jack” was marketed as a slick spy action-comedy and expected to build on Siddhu’s rising stardom post DJ Tillu and Tillu Square. The film opened in theaters on April 10, 2025, collecting a decent Rs 2.5 crore on day one. However, it soon lost momentum due to negative reviews citing a weak screenplay, subpar production values, and a lack of coherence.

The film’s theatrical rights were sold for Rs 25 crore, resulting in major losses for distributors. Reports also surfaced of creative disagreements between Siddhu and Bhaskar during production, with Siddhu’s deep involvement in scripting and creative decisions becoming a point of contention.

A gesture that stands out

In an industry often criticized for sky-high star fees and minimal post-release accountability, Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s voluntary return of Rs 4 crore has emerged as a notable exception. The actor, who reportedly charged Rs 10 crore for Jack, made the decision unprompted, expressing a desire to support the producers who had placed their trust in him.

Siddhu’s gesture comes at a time when Tollywood is grappling with rising production costs and a growing disconnect between star salaries and box office returns.

Siddhu’s next movies

Despite Jack’s failure, Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s star power remains intact. The success of the Tillu franchise—which has grossed over Rs 100 crore cumulatively—has cemented his place as a crowd-puller, particularly among younger audiences.

Next up, Siddhu stars in Telusu Kada, a romantic entertainer directed by debutant Neeraja Kona, alongside Raashii Khanna and Srinidhi Shetty. Slated for release on October 17, 2025, the film has already begun generating buzz.