If the story demands the expenditure, it can't be avoided. As long as the viewers enjoy it, it is worth spending. But unnecessary expenditure can bring the movie to a halt for the lack of finance. Q. Remuneration to the heros has skyrocketed. If a particular hero fits the bill, one has to pay his price or, if he is in demand he will have to be paid his price.
Nobody pays a flop hero.
Q. Distributors used to be very demanding. They would insist on having a particular type of song and actor. No, it is a different scene now. Once the director fixes his target, he must not be disturbed. Now the trend has changed and the movies are not all hero based.