The Indian film industry is known for its massive budgets and equally hefty fees paid to its top actors. While names like Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth are often associated with being the highest earners, the landscape has changed dramatically in 2024. Surprisingly, the top spot has been claimed by South superstar Thalapathy Vijay, who is now leading the pack, leaving behind even Bollywood giants.
Thalapathy Vijay’s Record-Breaking Fee of ₹250 Crore
Thalapathy Vijay, who has seen a meteoric rise in his career, is charging a staggering ₹250 crore for his upcoming film, tentatively titled Thalapathy 69. Directed by H. Vinod, this film is being widely speculated as Vijay’s last project, making his fee a hot topic of discussion. His recent film, Leo, shattered box office records, even surpassing Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Jawaan in terms of collections. This success has significantly boosted Vijay’s market value, enabling him to command such a massive paycheck.
Earlier this year, Vijay’s movie The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) was released, for which he charged ₹200 crore. Although the film didn’t perform as well as expected at the box office, his consistent hits have ensured his place as one of the highest earners in Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan Follows Close Behind
Shah Rukh Khan, often dubbed the “King of Bollywood,” has been known for his high earnings throughout his career. For his film Jawaan, he reportedly charged ₹250 crore, matching Vijay’s fee. Jawaan was a massive hit, earning Shah Rukh a prominent position on the list of top-paid actors, but Vijay’s recent success pushed him slightly ahead.
Rajinikanth Remains a Powerhouse with ₹210 Crore Fee
South Indian megastar Rajinikanth comes in third place. He charges between ₹150 crore and ₹210 crore for his films. His latest release, Jailer, earned him ₹210 crore, making him one of the highest paid actors not only in the South Indian film industry but across India.
Prabhas and Aamir Khan Complete the Top Five
Next on the list is Baahubali star Prabhas, who has gained national fame and charges between ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore. For his upcoming film Raja Saab, which is set to release in April next year, he is reportedly being paid ₹200 crore.
Rounding out the top five is Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan. Known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, Aamir charges between ₹100 crore and ₹150 crore per film. His highest fee was reportedly for Thugs of Hindostan, a film that also starred Amitabh Bachchan.
Other Big Names in the Top 10
The list of highest-paid actors in India is not limited to just these five. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan holds the sixth position, earning between ₹100 crore to ₹150 crore per film. He was reportedly paid ₹100 crore for his hit film Sultan, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, Telugu star Allu Arjun, Bollywood’s action hero Akshay Kumar, and Tamil cinema’s Ajith Kumar also feature prominently in the top 10. According to an NDTV report, Akshay Kumar charged ₹100 crore for his recent film Mission Raniganj, further cementing his position as one of the top earners in the industry.
South Indian Stars on the Rise
It’s noteworthy that three out of the top five highest-paid actors are from the South Indian film industry, showing the growing influence and market dominance of South Indian cinema. Thalapathy Vijay, Rajinikanth, and Prabhas have all made significant strides in both regional and national markets, setting new benchmarks for remuneration.
