A few years ago, in the list of highest paid actors, there were mainly Bollywood actors who filled the list. But in recent years, Indian audiences have now been attracted to the South industry due to widespread recognition of their work, movies, narratives, and directions.
The success of the South industry is also due to their true fan following which celebrates their superstar films like festivals or occasions with wholesome joy.
And you’ll be shocked that there is a higher number of highest-paid actors from the south rather than Bollywood.
1. Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan known as King Khan of Bollywood has a whooping net worth of Rs. 6300 crore. Reportedly he charges Rs 150 – 250 crores a movie. His last two films Pathaan & Jawan are blockbuster hits & are widely enjoyed by audiences in different countries like India, Dubai, Qatar, etc making around Rs 2000 crore from just 2 films.
Shahrukh Khan Built his true audience in his 90s era with films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Devdas, Veer-Zaara, and many other hit films. There are many ups & downs in his life but he accepts criticism & moves on with more experience.
2. Rajnikanth
Rajnikanth is the only actor in Indian cinema who charges a hefty fee of Rs 150 – 210 crores for a movie even though he is 73 years old. He is famously known as Thalaiva in the South industry.
Rajni sir made his debut in the Tamil Drama “Apoorva Raagangal”. His films like Thalapathi, Baasha, Padaiyappa, Mullum Malaram, Sivaji, Robot, etc gain his success & make him a superstar.
His latest Film Jailer in 2023 was one of the highest-grossing films in the year making around Rs 650 crores.
3. Joseph Vijay
My favorite actor in Indian Cinema, I started watching South movies by seeing his film “Sura” in 2010 & Velayudham in 2011.
With his continuous hits from the last decade like Thuppakki, Jilla, Kaththi, Theri, and Mersal. By doing these comedy-romantic-action movies, Vijay becomes the most loved actor in the industry.
Vijay’s latest movie “Leo” has collected over Rs 600 crore at the box office. Reportedly he charges Rs 150 crore for Leo movie & now he charges Rs 200 crore for his latest project “The Greatest Of All Time”.
4. Prabhas
Prabhas became sensational in the film industry with his movie Baahubali directed by SS Rajamouli in 2018. His sequel Baahubali 2 made over Rs 1430 crore in box office collection. He was also awarded with Best Actor in Leading Role for his performance in Baahubali.
Prabhas also faced criticism for his movie Adipurush & made a strong comeback with Salaar in 2023 which collected over Rs 1000 crore Worldwide.
He charged Rs 100 – 200 crore for a movie.
5. Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan is one of the finest actors in the Bollywood industry. With his movies like 3 Idiots, PK, Secret Superstar, Dangal, etc audience called him “Mr Perfectionist” for his brilliant performance in movies.
Aamir Khan has a surprising net worth of Rs 1860 crore. He charges Rs 100 – 175 crore for a movie.
6. Salman Khan
Salman Khan is known as “Bhaijaan” in the movie industry. He had a whooping net worth of Rs 2900 crore. Salman Khan will be next seen in “Sikander” released on Eid 2025. He charges Rs 100 – 150 crore for a movie.
Salman Khan became famous for his debut film “Maine Pyar Kiya” in 1989. Soon after this, he delivered blockbuster movies like Tere Naam, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Karan Arjun, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya & Judwaa.
7. Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is one of the superior actors in South Industry. He works in more than 220 films in multiple languages. His last movie “Vikram” in 2022 made over Rs 400 crore in the box office collection. He charges Rs 100 – 150 crore for a movie.
8. Allu Arjun
Allu Arjun is the one who takes the South industry to global recognition with his film “Pushpa”. The movie collected over Rs 365 crore in 2021 despite being released during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allu Arjun charges Rs 150 crore for “Pushpa 2: The Rule”. He is widely known as a “Stylish Star” in Tollywood for his unique choices whether in roles, cars, or dressing sense.
9. Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar is one of the finest actors in the Bollywood industry. He famously acknowledges his healthy lifestyle & workout rhythms. Akshay Kumar has a whopping net worth of Rs 2500 crore.
We all know Raju from his famous comedy movie “Hera Pheri”.
He delivers Indian cinema many hit movies like Sabse Bada Khiladi, Yeh Dillagi, Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Garam Masala, Welcome & Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Akshay Kumar charges Rs 60 – 145 crore for a film.
However, he does 4 to 5 films a year by his fixed pack schedule. In 2022, Akshay Kumar paid Rs 500 crore in income tax alone.
10. Ajith Kumar
Ajith Kumar is another one from the South Industry who makes it to the highest-paid actor’s list. His latest movie “Thunivu” in 2023 made over Rs 250 crore in the box office collection. He charges Rs 105 crore for a film. He is working on his upcoming movie “Good Bad Ugly” set to be released on Pongal 2025.
For More Details on the Highest Paid Actors List, you can check out this article