The internet loves a good Hollywood-style paycheck rumor, but the team behind Rohit Shetty’s upcoming Golmaal 5 is pulling the plug on the latest gossip. Viral reports recently claimed that Akshay Kumar was demanding a hefty Rs 35-40 crore for a brief 18 to 22-day shooting schedule in the highly anticipated comedy. Now, sources close to the production have firmly shut down the speculation, labeling the financial claims regarding his upfront salary as completely baseless.
The chatter started gaining traction when anonymous reports suggested Akshay’s upfront fee was actually higher than that of the franchise’s legacy lead, Ajay Devgn. Industry insiders were quick to point out the flaw in that logic, noting that Devgn operates on a lucrative profit-sharing model rather than a standard flat salary, according to a report by The Times of India. The direct comparison between the two actors simply didn’t make sense on paper.
Akshay himself stepped in to clear the air regarding his involvement and screen time. Acknowledging the franchise’s hierarchy, the actor clarified his supporting status to set expectations straight. “I’m happy that they think I was good enough to be a part of Golmaal. Ajay is the main hero. I’m not playing the main part,” he stated recently, as highlighted in a Pinkvilla report covering his exact role in the film.
The fifth installment of the blockbuster comedy series was officially announced back in March 2026 to coincide with director Rohit Shetty’s 52nd birthday. Filming is already well underway with a major schedule kicking off in Ooty, bringing together the returning ensemble cast of Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, and Kunal Kemmu, as detailed by TOI.
But the most nostalgic casting twist isn’t Akshay’s new role. Fans are buzzing over the confirmed return of Sharman Joshi, who is stepping back into the Golmaal universe for the first time since the original Fun Unlimited hit theaters 20 years ago in 2006. As Rohit Shetty manages the sprawling cast in Ooty, Akshay is currently juggling his comedy commitments, simultaneously preparing for the promotional blitz of Welcome To The Jungle ahead of its June 26, 2026 release date.