This list of the highest-paid South Indian actors features many popular celebrities who have starred in some of Indias biggest box office hits. Here are the top 10 highest-paid South Indian actors in 2024.
Ajith Kumar, a top Tamil cinema star known for his romance and action roles, earns Rs 1.3 crore per movie. He won Best Actor at the 2020 South Indian International Movie Awards for Viswasam and was nominated for Favorite Hero at the ZEE Cine Awards. His latest hit was Nerkonda Paarvai. In 2024, he stars in the action thriller Vidaa Muyarchi, where his character searches for his missing wife while battling a mysterious villain. The release date is yet to be announced.
Allu Arjun, one of Tollywood's most popular stars, reportedly earns rs 1 crore 35 lakh In 2020, he was India’s most searched male celebrity. Known as the Icon Star or Stylish Star Arjun is celebrated for his unique acting, dance moves, and fight choreography. His breakthrough came between 2014 and 2016 with hits like Race Gurram and Sarrainodu, earning him the 2017 Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor. In 2021, he won Best Actor at the Bollywood Life Awards for Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, showcasing his impressive acting and dancing skills.
Earning between Rs 1.8 crore per movie, Kamal Haasan is one of Tamil cinema's most acclaimed actors. The 69 year old star has had a prolific career spanning over 60 years and more than 200 films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and other major Indian languages. He has garnered over 60 awards and 37 nominations. His recent success, Vikram 2022, earned him Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Male Playback Singer at the South Indian International Movie Awards. With three films releasing in 2024 and Vikram 2 in production, Kamal Haasan continues to be one of India’s top and most well-paid actors.
Estimated earnings per movie: Rs 2 to 3 Crore per movie Joseph Vijay's breakthrough came with the 1997 romance drama Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, earning him the Best Actor title at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. He later established himself as a leading action star with hits like Thuppakki in 2012, Kaththi in 2014 and Mersal in 2017, garnering numerous Best Actor awards and nominations from 2013 to 2018. His 2023 movie, Leo, grossed nearly dollor 7 million worldwide. Fans await his final project, The Greatest of All Time, a sci fi action film slated for September 2024. Despite being the highest paid Tamil actor and India’s second highest earning movie celebrity in 2023, Vijay announced his retirement from cinema in February 2024. Despite his absence from future earning lists, his three decade contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered.
