Once, body doubles were used only for stunts, but now, some heroes use them for entire scenes, with just their faces added later.
Even producers are embracing this, sometimes calling in the body double without the hero knowing, having him do a couple of shots, and sending him off.
A top Tollywood hero popularized this system. Initially, he had two body doubles, but when one gained weight, only one remained.
This hero usually arrives on set after 3 PM, so scenes were filmed with the double, and only close-ups were shot with the hero.
Later, everything was blended and sent to him online. If the match was perfect, fine—otherwise, he steps in to do on his own. That's the practice.
Of course, out of the hundreds of crores the hero earns as remuneration, this body double may be paid around Rs 1 crore.
Recently, the body double arrived late, while the hero was already on set. Annoyed, he questioned the delay.
But the body-double revealed he had been shooting patchwork for another of the hero’s films—without the hero’s knowledge! Surprised, the hero apologized for scolding him, realizing his mistake.