Have you ever wondered what kind of salaries the biggest names in South Indian cinema command?
The world of Tollywood (Telugu Cinema) and Kollywood (Tamil Cinema) has exploded onto the global stage, with films breaking records and stars becoming pan-Indian sensations. Movies like Bahubali, RRR, and Pushpa have changed the industry and set records on both commercial and critical levels. But with that kind of success comes a whole new level of celebrity and a paycheck to match.
The debate has raged for years: who are the highest paid South Indian actors? Is it a legendary veteran who has dominated for decades, or a younger superstar with a string of recent blockbusters? The numbers are staggering, the competition is fierce, and the top spot is constantly shifting. Are you ready to see who made the list and who’s taking home the biggest paycheck in South Indian cinema?
15 Highest Paid South Indian Actors: Who They are and How Much They Earn?
Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 15 South Indian actors with the highest salaries:
| Rank | Actor | Industry | Approximate Pay Per Film (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allu Arjun | Telugu | ₹300 |
| 2 | Rajinikanth | Tamil | ₹260-280 |
| 3 | Thalapathy Vijay | Tamil | ₹200-250 |
| 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 |
| 11 | Kamal Haasan | Tamil | ₹75-100 |
| 12 | Suriya | Tamil | ₹40-70 |
| 13 | Vijay Deverakonda | Telugu | ₹45 |
| 14 | Nani | Telugu | ₹35 |
| 15 | Mohanlal | Malayalam | ₹10-25 |
1. Allu Arjun
Allu Arjun, famously known as the “Icon Star,” is celebrated for his captivating screen presence, versatile acting, and exceptional dancing skills. He made his debut with Gangotri in 2003, but it was his breakthrough role in Arya (2004) that launched him to stardom.
Throughout his career, he has showcased his versatility with a string of blockbusters, taking on diverse roles from romantic leads to intense action heroes. His portrayals of Lucky, Gana, and Pushpa have earned him a massive fan following. Allu Arjun’s career reached its peak with the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise, which earned him the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor and cemented his place among the highest paid South Indian actors.
Age: 43 years (8 April 1982)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹300 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹350 – 460 crore
Notable Movies: Arya, Pushpa Duology (as of 2025), Sarrainodu, Race Gurram
2. Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth, affectionately called “Thalaivar” by his fans, reigned as the highest-paid South Indian actor until 2021. Born Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, he famously transitioned from a bus conductor to a cinematic icon. His career, spanning over five decades, is defined by his signature style, unique dialogue delivery, and iconic mannerisms.
From early villainous roles to starring in over 170 films, his journey is a testament to his enduring influence and rise to becoming one of Asia’s highest paid South Indian actors.
Age: 74 years (12 December 1950)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹260-280 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹430 – 500 crore
Notable Movies: Enthiran, Thalaivar, Sivaji the Boss, Jailer
3. Thalapathy Vijay
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, widely known as “Thalapathy” Vijay, is a titan of Indian cinema. With a career spanning three decades and over 65 films, he is one of the most commercially successful actors and highest paid South Indian actors in the country.
After a challenging start, his career soared with breakthrough hits like Poove Unakkaga and Kadhalukku Mariyadhai. His dynamic, action-hero persona was cemented by blockbusters such as Ghilli and Pokkiri, leading to a string of record-breaking films. Beyond acting, Vijay is also a celebrated playback singer and has recently entered politics.
Age: 51 years (22 June 1974)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹200-250 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹600 crore
Notable Movies: GOAT, Master, Theri, Leo
4. Prabhas
Uppalapati Venkata Suryanarayana Prabhas Raju, known as Prabhas, is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He is one of the highest paid South Indian actors, who has been featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list.
He gained widespread recognition for his titular role in S. S. Rajamouli’s epic fantasy films Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and its sequel. These films cemented his status as a “pan-Indian” star. These two epics have garnered him a massive following across India and beyond.
Age: 45 years (23 October 1979)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹175-200 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹250 – 370 crore
Notable Movies: Baahulbali Duology, Salaar: Part 1 Ceasefire, Rebel, Kalki 2989 AD
5. Ajith Kumar
Often referred to as “Thala” by his devoted fans, Ajith Kumar is a prominent and highly influential actor in the Tamil film industry. Debuting in the early 1990s, he has since become one of the most bankable stars, commanding a spot on the list of the highest paid South Indian actors. Known for his versatility, he has successfully transitioned from a romantic hero to a leading action star, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
In addition to his acting career, Ajith is a passionate and accomplished car racer who has competed in international championships. In 2025, he was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the arts. He maintains a private persona, which only adds to his immense popularity.
Age: 54 years (1 May 1971)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹160 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹350 crore
Notable Movies: Billa, Vivegam, Valimai, Thunivu, Vedalam
6. Mahesh Babu
Mahesh Babu is a well-known and one of the highest paid South Indian actors. He is also a producer and philanthropist who primarily works in Telugu cinema. Often referred to as “Prince of Tollywood” by his fans, he is the son of veteran actor Krishna.
He made his debut as a child artist in 1979 before becoming a leading man with the film Rajakumarudu in 1999. Over his career, he has starred in more than 25 films, earning numerous accolades, including nine Nandi Awards and five Filmfare Awards South.
Age: 50 years (9 August 1975)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹100 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹250 – 300 crore
Notable Movies: Businessman, Guntur Kaaram, Pokiri, Spyder, Okkadu
7. Ram Charan
An actor, producer, and entrepreneur, Ram Charan is a prominent figure in Telugu cinema and one of its highest paid South Indian actors. The son of the legendary Chiranjeevi, he made his debut in 2007 with Chirutha, winning the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
His career took a major turn with S.S. Rajamouli’s Magadheera (2009), which became a massive hit and solidified his status as a leading actor. Following his global success in the blockbuster RRR, Ram Charan has cemented his position as a pan-Indian star.
Age: 40 years (27 March 1985)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹100 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹1370 crore
Notable Movies: Yevadu, Magadheera, RRR, Naayak, Dhruva
8. Yash
Rising from the Kannada film industry, Yash, born Naveen Kumar, has become a pan-Indian superstar. His journey began on television before he rose to prominence with a string of successful films.
He is now one of the highest paid South Indian actors in the country. The “K.G.F” franchise cemented his global stardom, with his portrayal of the formidable Rocky Bhai turning him into a cultural icon synonymous with power-packed cinema.
Age: 39 years (8 January 1986)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹60-100 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹53 crore
Notable Movies: K.G.F Duology, Googly, Masterpiece, Mr. & Mrs. Ramachari
9. Pawan Kalyan
Pawan Kalyan is a prominent figure in Telugu cinema, often referred to as “Power Star” by his dedicated fan base. He is the younger brother of legendary actor Chiranjeevi and has carved out his own unique niche since his debut in 1996.
Known for his unique style, impactful dialogue delivery, and on-screen charisma, he has starred in numerous blockbuster films that have cemented his place as one of the highest paid South Indian actors.
Age: 54 years (2 September 1971)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹80 crores
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹80 crores
Notable Movies: Bheemla Nayak, Gabbar Singh, Jalsa, Thammudu
10. Jr NTR
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., widely known as Jr. NTR, is an Indian actor, television personality, and playback singer. He primarily works in Telugu cinema. The grandson of legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. T. Rama Rao, he began his career as a child artist before becoming one of the highest paid South Indian actors in Indian cinema.
He is known for his versatility, powerful performances, and exceptional dancing skills. His career has been marked by a mix of action dramas and commercial blockbusters. His role as Komaram Bheem in the globally acclaimed film RRR earned him pan-Indian stardom and international recognition.
Age: 42 years (20 May 1983)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹60-100 crores
Estimated Net Worth: Not explicitly found; generally reported to be ₹100+ crore
Notable Movies: Janata Garage, War 2, RRR, Samba, Shakthi
11. Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is an Indian actor, filmmaker, dancer, writer, producer, playback singer, and choreographer who works primarily in Tamil cinema. He has won four National Film Awards, 19 Filmfare Awards, and the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts ET des Lettres from the French government.
Kamal is known for his versatility and method acting. He has taken on a wide range of roles throughout his career. Haasan made his debut as a child artist in the 1960 film Kalathur Kannamma. Since his debut, he has appeared in over 200 films in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and Bengali.
Age: 70 years (7 November 1954)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹75-100 crores
Estimated Net Worth: Not explicitly found; estimates suggest ₹100+ crore range
Notable Movies: Sadma, Dashavatar, Sathya, Vikram, Indian 2
12. Suriya
Suriya, born Saravanan Sivakumar, is a versatile and celebrated actor in Tamil cinema and the son of veteran actor Sivakumar. He debuted in 1997’s Nerrukku Ner but gained recognition with the 2001 film Nandha. Known for his transformative roles in films like Kaakha Kaakha, Ghajini, and Vaaranam Aayiram, he has become one of the highest paid South Indian actors.
His acclaimed portrayal of the ruthless gangster ‘Rolex’ in the 2022 film Vikram earned him immense praise. Suriya’s illustrious career has been honored with numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards and multiple Filmfare Awards South.
Age: 50 years (23 July 1975)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹40-70 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹50-70 crore
Notable Movies: Ghajini, Kaguva, Jai Bheem, Singham, 24
13. Vijay Deverakonda
Vijay Deverakonda has quickly become a prominent figure and youth icon in South Indian cinema. He shot to fame with his intense portrayal of a volatile surgeon in the 2017 blockbuster Arjun Reddy, a role that earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. Known for his versatility, he has delivered successful performances in diverse films like the romantic comedy Pelli Choopulu and the romantic drama Geetha Govindam.
Beyond acting, Deverakonda is also a successful entrepreneur, with his own fashion brand, Rowdy Wear. His rapid rise to stardom has cemented his position as one of the highest paid South Indian actors in the industry.
Age: 36 years (9 May 1989)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹45 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹40-50 crore
Notable Movies: Arjun Reddy, Taxiwaala, Nota
14. Nani
Nani, whose full name is Ghanta Naveen Babu, is an Indian actor, producer, and television presenter primarily known for his work in Telugu cinema. Often referred to by fans and the media as the “Natural Star” for his effortless and relatable acting style. He has built a strong reputation by choosing diverse and compelling roles.
From romantic comedies to critically acclaimed dramas and mythological fantasy, Nani has consistently showcased his versatility. His filmography reflects a knack for selecting stories that resonate with a wide audience. His roles have cemented his place as one of the most bankable and highest paid South Indian actors in the Telugu film industry.
Age: 41 years (24 February 1984)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹35 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹30-40 crore
Notable Movies: Eega, Hi Nanna, HIT, Dasara
15. Mohanlal
Mohanlal, often hailed as “The Complete Actor” of Indian cinema, is a legendary figure predominantly known for his work in the Malayalam film industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in more than 360 films and is celebrated for his remarkable versatility and natural acting style.
His iconic roles have ranged from intense, dramatic characters in films to comedic masterpieces. He has been honoured with numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan from the Government of India. Besides being one of the highest paid South Indian actors, he is also the first actor to be awarded the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army.
Age: 65 years (21 May 1960)
Estimated Fees Per Film: Approximately ₹10-25 crores
Estimated Net Worth: ₹10-25 crore (consistent with reported pay)
Notable Movies: Drishyam Trilogy, Chithram, L2 Empuraan, Lucifer
Conclusion:
Allu Arjun, Thalapathy Vijay, and Rajinikanth are currently the highest paid South Indian actors in the industry. Their rise in compensation has been directly influenced by their ability to deliver massive box office hits. The success of films like Pushpa: The Rise, Leo, and Jailer has shattered records at the box office. But they have also established a new benchmark for star power and commercial viability in the industry. As the line between regional and national cinema continues to blur, the influence of these actors extends far beyond their home states.
The salaries of the highest paid South Indian actors are a clear reflection of their immense influence and drawing power. This list demonstrates how a blend of consistent performance, audience connection, and strategic project choices can propel a star to the top of the financial ladder. As the industry grows, one thing remains certain: the demand for a captivating on-screen presence will continue to dictate who takes home the biggest paycheques in South Indian cinema.
FAQs
1. What is the primary factor that determines an actor’s salary?
An actor’s salary is primarily determined by their box office drawing power and pan-Indian appeal. When a film becomes a major hit, it significantly increases the actor’s market value. This allows them to command a higher fee for subsequent projects. The ability to guarantee a return on investment for producers is key.
2. How do South Indian actors’ salaries compare to those of Bollywood actors?
The earnings of highest paid South Indian actors are now on par with, and in some cases have surpassed, those of their Bollywood counterparts. The widespread success of “pan-Indian” films has made stars like Allu Arjun and Prabhas national figures. This has led to significantly higher paycheques that compete with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
3. Why is there a wide range in salaries for some actors?
An actor’s final remuneration can be a blend of a base fee and a percentage of the film’s profits. The wide range reflects the different deals negotiated for each film. A star might charge a lower base fee for a passion project but take a significant share of the profits. They might even command a flat, high fee for a high-budget commercial film.
