The biggest stars who rule the hearts of many fans are also some of the actors who are earning the most in this century. The Southern Part of the nation has always been known for their authentic storytelling and grand productions.
Over the years, the South film industry has upgraded itself to the maximum capacity and is still on the run. Fans couldn’t have guessed a number even close to what these actors cost per film.
From the most popular and legendary Rajinikanth to Prabhas who took the stage to himself. This carefully curated list tells you everything you need to know about these acclaimed actors’ paycheck.
Before we dive in, take a look at this comprehensive table to get an idea about the paid sum.
| Rank | Actor | Industry | Approx. Pay Per Film (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allu Arjun | Telugu | ₹300 |
| 2 | Rajinikanth | Tamil | ₹260-280 |
| 3 | Thalapathy Vijay | Tamil | ₹200-275 |
| 4 | Prabhas | Telugu | ₹175-200 |
| 5 | Ajith Kumar | Tamil | ₹160 |
| 6 | Mahesh Babu | Telugu | ₹100 |
| 7 | Ram Charan | Telugu | ₹100 |
| 8 | Yash | Kannada | ₹60-100 |
| 9 | Pawan Kalyan | Telugu | ₹80 |
| 10 | Jr NTR | Telugu | ₹60 |
Note: These numbers are taken from the reported estimates of various sources and can vary widely based on the budget of the film.
10) Jr NTR
The reported approximate fees of NTR charges is about ₹60 crore per film. He is known for global appeal acting and conscious choice of roles in the movies, such as in RRR.
9) Pawan Kalyan
The approximate estimated numbers of Kalyan’s per film is ₹40-80 crore. His recent film They Call Him OG reportedly brought him a massive deal.
8) Yash
Rocky Bhai of KGF – Yash earns an approximate of ₹60-100 crore per film. His rise has put Kannada cinema on a nationwide success.
7) Ram Charan
He is arguably the pride of Telugu cinema and his salary ranges between ₹65-100 crore. The actor has been working in the industry for almost two decades now and has delivered blockbusters like RRR.
6) Mahesh Babu
One of the most versatile actors in South cinema, Mahesh commands ₹60-80 crore and sometimes opting for profit-sharing on large productions like SSMB29.
5) Ajith Kumar
Ajith commands ₹105-120 crore and with consistent box office successes and a loyal fan base that drives his market value.
4) Prabhas
The Bahubali megastar Prabhas charges ₹80-150 crore per film and why not! His fans may exclaim as he has proved every time that he can indeed have an universal appeal with his roles.
3) Thalapathy Vijay
An acting career of three decades long and with a political career Vijay’s fee lies between ₹200-250 crore per project. His consistent success and huge fan following keep him in the running.
2) Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth commands ₹260-280 crore and is often supplemented with profit sharing that can almost double this figure.
1) Allu Arjun
Allu tops the list with ₹250-300 crore per project and the beloved Pushpa also is many fans favorite actor of all time. His pan-Indian success and strong fan loyalty ensure his top-paying position.
Also Read: The Family Man Season 3 OTT: Release Date, Story, Cast & Streaming Details
Conclusion
These numbers aren’t just fees or paycheck but it is a testament to the actors and their hard work. The films delivered by each of these actors have gotten a global approach and fans around the world have appreciated the acting and storytelling. Some of these actors go through very transformational phases such as diet changes or learning new things just to fit in the character fully and authentically. Thus, the numbers show their determination and zeal towards their acting career.
Reference: All of the figures are taken from reputable sources like Zee News, IMDB Database, and other media outlets.
Written by Kenbi Riba