/> David Dhawan's Hook Ya Crook which features John Abraham, Genelia S'Souza, Aditya Pancholi and KayKay Menon along with a handful of big-name test cricketers including Dhoni, has finally gone on the floors.

But only after being hard hit by the current recession in the film industry....the first Bollywood biggie to be busted by the bucks.

Apparently the entire cast including the film's lead John Abraham was asked to cut their remuneration drastically, to as much as 50 percent of what they had been initially offered.

Though both UTV sources and David Dhawan deny drastic cuts, Dhawan does admit to "some cuts here and there."

But a reliable source says the cuts to make this mega-footballer written by the enormously talented Rensil d'Silva, were staggering. "The entire cast was asked to reduce the price, even John. See, the film's original budget was Rs 40 crores. During this time of recession a 40-crore film about football with David Dhawan-John Abraham as its USP didn't make any sense."

When contacted Aditya Pancholi who plays a part in Hook Ya Crook admits to the salary cut. "Yes we have been asked to take home a much smaller salary. I can't tell you the exact figure. But it was much less than what we had been originally offered. I think it's perfectly understandable, considering what the industry is going through right now."

In fact Irrfan Khan who was supposed to play KayKay Menon's role opted out rather than accept a fee-slump.

Music composer Pritam Chakraborty who is working with David Dhawan for the first time also admits to the salary cuts. "Though my fee wasn't cut because it was already very reasonable, I've heard the cast took a chunky cut in their remuneration."

However cricketer Dhoni who also plays a part has apparently been exempted from the salary curtailment.

Laughs a source, "Why would Dhoni or any other star-cricketer agree to be in a Bollywood film if not for the money?"