South Indian cinema’s highest-paid actors and actresses are setting new records with their massive earnings.
The contemporary South Indian cinema can truly be called an entertainment powerhouse today. With mega-hits including RRR, Pushpa and KGF crushing records, South stars have gained global celebrity status. The huge popularity of films has led to increased demand for their films and consequently tremendous escalating fees for leading actors and actresses, which now ranks them among the highest-paid celebrities in the country.
Highest-Paid South Indian Actors
Allu Arjun has become the highest-paid South Indian actor in 2025. After the success of Pushpa: The Rise, his upcoming film Pushpa 2: The Rule has raised his value even higher. Reports suggest he is earning around ₹300 crore, which includes a share of the film’s profits. His energetic performances and pan-India fan following make him one of the most bankable stars.
Rajinikanth, the superstar loved across generations, continues to earn at the top level. For his upcoming project Coolie, he is being paid nearly ₹260-280 crore. His unmatched charisma and loyal fan base keep him at the center of South Indian cinema.
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Thalapathy Vijay is another leading name charging premium fees. For his film Jana Nayagan, Vijay is reportedly earning ₹250 crore. With consistent blockbusters and a strong fan following, he remains one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars.
Prabhas became a pan-India sensation after Baahubali. He now charges around ₹175 crore per film. Even though some of his recent films received mixed reviews, his upcoming projects like Salaar 2 keep him among the highest earners.
Ajith Kumar, who is fondly called “Thala,” also earns a huge remuneration. For his newest film, he is demanding around ₹160 crore pay. His action-packed films and dedicated fan following placed him as one of the most bankable stars in Tamil Nadu.
Ram Charan has recently redone his global base after RRR. He charges around ₹100-130 crore for a project, particularly for mega pan-India films.
Mahesh Babu is seen as one of the earliest stylish actors and remains very popular in the Telugu industry. His charges are around ₹80 to 100 crore, while his upcoming collaboration with SS Rajamouli is arguably one of the most-expected films in recent times.
Suriya and Dhanush also count as earning efficiently. Their fees also vary from ₹50 to 80 crore depending on the project, and both are counted among the most honored actors for acknowledging diverse roles.
Highest Paid South Indian Actresses
Rashmika Mandanna is the current highest-paid South Indian actress. For Pushpa 2: The Rule, she is reportedly making around ₹13 crore. With successes in both Telugu and Hindi films, Rashmika can now proudly call herself a pan-India star.
Trisha Krishnan can also still compete within the “greater tier” status after being in the industry for over 20 years and earns around ₹10-12 crore. Her recent role in Ponniyin Selvan proved her acting range and cemented her status as a leading star.
Nayanthara, called the “Lady Superstar,” charges about ₹10 crore per project. Her appearance in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan gave her wider national fame, making her one of the very few South actresses to consistently get double-digit crore fees.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is one of the most versatile stars in the South. She usually charges ₹3-8 crore per film. With international projects like Citadel: Honey Bunny, her earnings have gone up even further.
Sai Pallavi has won hearts with her natural acting and dancing. She generally charges ₹5 crore, but her role as Sita in the upcoming Ramayana has reportedly brought her ₹18-20 crore, making it one of the highest fees for an actress.
Tamannaah Bhatia continues to stay in demand across Tamil and Telugu cinema. She earns about ₹4-5 crore per film and is also active in web series and OTT content.
Pooja Hegde charges between ₹5-7 crore depending on the film. Her presence in Telugu and Hindi films makes her a strong name in the industry.
Rakul Preet Singh earns about ₹2-4 crore per project. Along with South films, she has also established herself in Bollywood, giving her more opportunities.
Richest Stars in South Cinema
Nagarjuna Akkineni is considered the richest actor in South India. His net worth is estimated at USD 410 million (~₹3,572 crore), thanks to his long film career, production ventures, and business investments. Among actresses, stars like Nayanthara and Samantha have also built wealth through endorsements and OTT projects.
South Cinema’s Global Rise
South Indian stars are no longer limited to regional audiences. Films like Baahubali, Pushpa, RRR, and KGF have taken them to a global stage. With such massive demand, their fees continue to climb, making them some of the highest-paid celebrities in the country.
Actors like Allu Arjun, Rajinikanth, and Vijay dominate the highest-paid list, while actresses like Rashmika Mandanna, Nayanthara, and Sai Pallavi are breaking barriers with historic paychecks. South Indian cinema is now setting new standards for stardom and success in 2025.
