Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ The South Indian film industry, often referred to as Kollywood, Tollywood, Mollywood, and Sandalwood, has seen exponential growth in recent years. The regional cinema has not only gained national recognition but also a strong presence globally, owing much of its success to the immense talent and star power of its actresses. These actresses, who have consistently wowed audiences with their performances, are now reaping the rewards of their hard work, gaining both fame and significant financial compensation. As of 2025, the highest-paid South Indian actresses have not only established themselves as popular celebrities but also as powerful brand ambassadors and key players in the industry. Here’s a look at the highest-paid South Indian actresses and their per-film earnings.
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Rashmika Mandanna – Rs 13 Crores per film
Rashmika Mandanna, often dubbed as the ‘Nation’s Crush,’ has had a stellar career trajectory, becoming one of the most bankable stars in the industry. With her back-to-back successes in films like Pushpa 2, Animal, and Chhaava, Rashmika has made her mark not only in the South Indian film industry but across Bollywood as well. For Pushpa 2, she is said to have charged a fee of Rs 10 crores, and for her role in Salman Khan’s upcoming movie Sikander, her remuneration is reportedly a staggering Rs 13 crores, solidifying her position as one of the top earners in the industry.
Trisha Krishnan – Rs 10-12 Crores per film
A seasoned actress with over two decades in the industry, Trisha Krishnan remains one of the highest-paid stars in South Indian cinema. Known for her versatile roles and enduring popularity, Trisha commands a salary of Rs 10 to 12 crores per film. Her upcoming project, Vishwambhara, is expected to pay her around Rs 12 crores, continuing her reign as one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.
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Nayanthara – Rs 10 Crores per film
Revered as the ‘Lady Superstar’ of Tamil cinema, Nayanthara has carved a niche for herself in the South Indian film industry. With her massive fanbase and exceptional talent, she has become a prominent figure in both regional and national films. Nayanthara was paid Rs 10 crores for her Bollywood debut Jawan, which has added to her list of high-paying projects. In addition, her marriage documentary sold to Netflix for a reported Rs 25 crores further highlights her marketability and brand value.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu – Rs 3-8 Crores per film
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, one of the most popular actresses in the South, has had a remarkable career in Telugu and Tamil cinema. While her fees range between Rs 3 to 8 crores per film, her highest paycheck came from the spy thriller Citadel: Honey Bunny, where she earned a record Rs 10 crores. This signifies her growing stature in the industry, and she continues to be a favorite among both filmmakers and fans alike.
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Anushka Shetty – Rs 6 Crores per film
Though Anushka Shetty appears in fewer films these days, her acting prowess continues to command a substantial fee. Known for her iconic role in Baahubali, Anushka is said to charge around Rs 6 crores per film. For Baahubali 2 and her upcoming Malayalam film Kathanar, she earned Rs 5 crores per project, reflecting her enduring appeal.
Sai Pallavi – Rs 5 Crores per film
Renowned for her natural performances and exceptional dance skills, Sai Pallavi has become a household name in the Telugu and Tamil film industries. She commands a fee of Rs 5 crores per film. Her upcoming Bollywood project, Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is expected to see her earning between Rs 18-20 crores, which could make her one of the highest-paid actresses in the country.
Tamannaah Bhatia – Rs 4-5 Crores per film
Known for her remarkable work in Baahubali and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Tamannaah Bhatia continues to be one of the top stars in the South. Active across multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, Tamannaah is one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry, earning between Rs 4 to 5 crores per project. Her recent success in the Tamil film Aranmanai 4, which grossed over Rs 100 crores, further solidifies her star status.
Pooja Hegde – Rs 2.5-7 Crores per film
Pooja Hegde has carved out a successful career in Telugu and Tamil cinema, with a rising profile in Bollywood as well. Her remuneration varies from Rs 2.5 to 7 crores per film. Known for her work in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Radhe Shyam, she remains one of the most sought-after actresses in South Indian cinema.
Keerthy Suresh – Rs 3 Crores per film
Keerthy Suresh, celebrated for her roles in Mahanati and Penguin, charges around Rs 3 crores per film. With her Bollywood debut looming on the horizon with Baby John, Keerthy’s market value is expected to rise, potentially elevating her status in the film industry.
Srinidhi Shetty – Rs 7 Crores per film
Srinidhi Shetty, who rose to fame with the KGF franchise, is reported to earn around Rs 7 crores per film. The Kannada actress is poised for greater success with projects such as Telusu Kada alongside Sidhu Jonnalagadda and Kichcha47 alongside Kichcha Sudeepa, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in the South.
Rakul Preet Singh – Rs 2-3 Crores per film
Debuting in 2009 with Gilli, Rakul Preet Singh has become a popular name in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. She earns around Rs 2-3 crores per film. She was recently seen in Ayalaan with Sivakarthikeyan, and Indian 2 with Kamal Haasan.
Kajal Aggarwal – Rs 2.5-3 Crores per film
Kajal Aggarwal, a pan-Indian star, has worked across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Earning Rs 2.5-3 crores per film, her commercial success and versatile acting have made her one of the highest-paid actresses in South India.
South Indian cinema continues to thrive with the immense talents of these divas. With their expanding fanbases and ever-growing brand endorsements, their earnings are a testament to the evolving nature of the industry, where talent is highly rewarded. The future of South Indian cinema looks promising, and these actresses are set to continue captivating audiences both in India and globally.
