We recently reported that actress Nayanthara is the highest paid actress of Kollywood and that her salary is what second-tier heroes of Tamil industry charge.
There has been a rising concern among the producers in Kollywood stating that they cannot keep up with the rising salary of top actors in the industry. It is said that although films do great business at the box office, the producer are not able to rake in profits. The reason behind this is the huge paycheck that they need to give to the Kollywood actors.
Things take a toll for producers when the salary of the lead actor sometimes comes to half of a film's budget. Today, let's take a look as to who earns big in Tamil film industry:
10. Karthi – Rs 8 crore
There was a time when STR used to be among the highest paid actors but with back to back flops, the actor has stayed away and it's Karthi who has taken his place. Karthi has been on a winning streak with films like Kadaikutty Singam and Dev. Ever since his association with Mani Ratnam, the actor has been in demand. Karthi charges a minimum of Rs 8 crore for a film.
9. Vijay Sethupathi - Rs 8-10 crore
Vijay Sethupathi is one of the most loved actors of South India. The actor makes sure to deliver a good film each year. He recently made his Malayalam debut with Macroni Mathai and is also set for his Telugu debut. Though reports are rife that the actor has raised his remuneration post Syeraa Narasimhaa Reddy, Vijay Sethupathi currently charges Rs 8-10 crore.
8. Sivakarthikeyan – Rs 10-12 crore
Sivakarthikeyan is one of the recent actor to enter into the list and his popularity has been on an upward surge. His films are working among the masses and looks like he is one among the bankable stars of today. With a few many movies in his kitty, the actor charges Rs 10-12 crore.
7. Dhanush – Rs 15 crore
Dhanush has been a pan-Indian actor and he maintains in doing both experimental and commercial film together. Dhanush made his Hollywood debut with the recently released The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir and reports suggests that the actor has raised his salary. Dhanush who will be next seen in Asuran, charges Rs 15 crore for a film.
6. Vikram – Rs 20 crore
Chiyaan Vikram has a loyal fan base and is one of the top stars of Tamil industry. His recent flicks including Kadaram Kondan has flopped at box office and he charges Rs 20 crore for his movies.
5. Suriya – Rs 20-22
With Kaappaan getting big opening at box office, Suriya has managed to be among the stars who earns big. With his next Soorarai Pottru, the actor is expected to make bigger. He charges Rs 20-22 crore for a film now.
4. Kamal Haasan – Rs 25-30 crore
With the actor venturing into politics and announcing his retirement from films, Kamal Haasan, who was one among the top actors, has subsided with his acting career. The actor will be seen in Indian 2 next and the actor charges a minimum of Rs 25 crore.
3. Ajith – Rs 40-50 crore
With Thala fans around, the star enjoys a massive fan ground. Ajith film always get big opening at box office and there's no doubt that his films make among the top openers. Reports are rife that post the success of Viswasam, Ajith raised his salary and he earned Rs 50 crore for Nerkonda Paarvai.
2. Vijay – Rs 45-50 crore
Vijay is one of the most popular stars down South and has a big fan base. The actor enjoys phenomenal success with movies including Mersal, Sarkar and others. With his upcoming movie Bigil, the actor is expected to break his previous records. Currently, the actor charges amount between Rs 45-50 crore, making him the second most top paid actor.
1. Rajinikanth – Rs 60 crore
The superstar is always the superstar and that's what makes him the Rajinikanth. Not just in South India, but Rajinikanth movies are much awaited across the globe. Howsoever his films be, there is a minimum gaurantee to his movies at the box office. And Rajinikanth tops the list charging Rs 60 crore.