Bollywood screenwriter Darab Farooqui has spoken out about the industry’s unfair payment system for writers. In his lengthy Twitter post, he revealed the financial struggles screenwriters face, claiming they are ‘underpaid’ and left in unstable situations.
Farooqui Claims Screenwriters Receive Only 10% Payout On Signing The Contract
Farooqui explained that most writers receive only 10% of their payment upon signing a contract. After submitting the complete script, they may get an additional 10-20%.
However, the remaining amount is only paid if the film gets approved and an actor joins the project. This results in long waits for payments, especially when films face delays or cancellations.
He further stated, “This system is brutal. No writer can survive on two scripts a year, no matter the pay. They only get 20-30% of their total fee until the film is made.”
Farooqui further highlighted how this system puts writers at a disadvantage:
- The first draft of a script covers 80-85% of the work, yet writers receive only 20-30% of their fee.
- New writers struggle the most, earning significantly less than experienced ones. Many must work on 4-5 scripts a year just to cover basic expenses.
- Writing a proper screenplay takes at least 3-4 months, sometimes longer. Despite this, writers are expected to produce multiple scripts to make a living.
- Producers benefit the most, as they can fund multiple projects for the cost of one script. Meanwhile, writers bear all the financial risk while producers and actors take the profits.
Farooqui also raised concerns about the increasing exploitation of writers, especially after COVID. He criticised audiences for complaining about Bollywood’s declining film quality while ignoring the struggles of writers.
He believes that if people do not support fair treatment for writers, then the industry will continue to produce subpar films. Without proper compensation and recognition, creative talent will suffer, ultimately affecting the quality of movies.
Check out his post below!
Long and Important post on Screenwriters.
Screenwriters are having the worst time in Bollywood.
They receive 10% upon signing the contract, and then they must write the entire script, which is then approved for an additional 10-20%.
The rest will be paid only if the project…
— Darab Farooqui (@darab_farooqui) February 4, 2025
Farooqui’s Work Front
Darab Farooqui has an impressive filmography, having contributed to Victory (2009), Tigers (2014), Dedh Ishqiya (2014), and Notebook (2019). Most recently, he collaborated with Karan Johar on Ae Watan Mere Watan (2024), directed by Kannan Iyer.
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