Tollywood or the Telugu film industry has undoubtedly taken the top spot in Indian cinema. There has been a significant rise in the number of moviegoers who enjoy watching South Indian films, especially Telugu cinema. Meanwhile, Telugu actors like Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, Ram Charan and others have also become prominent figures in Indian cinema and are ruling millions of people across the world. Do you know that these actors charge a hefty fee for their appearance? Yes, that’s right. In this article, Pinkvilla has compiled a list of the 9 highest-paid Telugu actors in 2024. What are you waiting for? Read on now to find out who are the richest Telugu actors and how much they charge per film.
Highest Paid Telugu Actors 2024
1. Prabhas (Rs.100 crore to 200 crore)
This list begins with an exceptional actor, performer and superstar who is known for his high-octane action films. Yes, we are talking about Prabhas. Considered the first pan-Indian superstar, Prabhas made his debut in the film industry with Eeshwar, but he got success with the blockbuster action-romance film Varsham. Today with Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali, Prashanth Neel’s Salaar and other films, he is one of the biggest actors in India. According to reports, Prabhas charges 100 crores to 200 crores per film.
2. Allu Arjun (Rs 100 crore to Rs 125 crore)
The next name on the list is our very own ‘Pushpa Raj’ aka Allu Arjun, who reportedly charges Rs 100 crore to Rs 125 crore per film. Apart from his brilliant on-screen acting, the actor is also considered as one of the finest dancers in Indian cinema. Allu Arjun has received several awards including the National Film Award. His notable works include Pushpa: The Rise, Sarainodu, Race Gurram, Parugu, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and others
3. Jr NTR (Rs 100 crore)
Next on the list of highest-paid Telugu actors is Jr NTR. Born on May 20, 1993, the superstar is the grandson of veteran Telugu actor and politician NT Rama Rao. Today, Devara actor is one of the most successful actors from the Nandamuri family who charges around Rs 100 crore per film.
Jr NTR debuted as a child artist in the 1991 film Brahmarshi Vishwamitra. Then, the 41-year-old actor was seen in the lead role of Ram in the mythological film Ramayanam (1997) directed by Gunasekhar. The film also won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film and his acting was also appreciated. Some of the best films in Jr NTR’s career are RRR, Student No: 1, Aadi, Simhadri, Rakhee, Yamadonga, Adhurs, Baadshah and others.
4. Ram Charan (Rs 90 crore to Rs 100 crore)
Next, we have Ram Charan, Jr NTR’s co-star in SS Rajamouli’s RRR, who charges Rs 90 to 100 crore per film. The actor has successfully carved a niche for himself with his mind-blowing acting chops. Notably, Ram Charan is the son of veteran actor Chiranjeevi. In 2007, the actor made his film debut with the action film Chirutha. The film became an instant hit at the box office, garnering positive responses for the actor. Ram Charan has appeared in several blockbuster films such as Magadheera, Yevadu, Rangasthalam, Acharya, Govindudu Andarivadele, and others. He is one of the richest South Indian actors of 2024.
5. Mahesh Babu (Rs 80 crore to Rs 100 crore)
Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu popularly known as Mahesh Babu charges Rs 80 crore to Rs 100 crore per film. Born on 9 August 1975, the superstar is the son of veteran Telugu actor Krishna and his wife Indira. Mahesh debuted as a child actor at the age of 4 in a cameo role in Needa in 1979. Later in 1999, Mahesh Babu debuted as a lead actor with Rajakumarudu. Later, his success came with the supernatural drama Murari (2001), and the action film Okkadu (2003). Today, Mahesh Babu has appeared in more than 35 films including Guntur Karam, Maharshi, Sarkaru Vaari Paata, Sarileru Neekevvaru and others.
6. Pawan Kalyan (Rs 60 crore to Rs 100 crore)
The next name on the list of 9 highest-grossing Telugu actors is actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan. Born on September 2, 1971 as Konidela Kalyan Kumar, the superstar entered the Telugu film industry in 1996 with Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbai directed by EVV Satyanarayana. Apart from this, he gave many great films at the box office such as Attarintiki Daredi, Tholi Prema, Khushi, Gabbar Singh, Jalsa, Thammudu, Badri and Bheemla Nayak. Apart from his acting, Pawan Kalyan also joined politics and is now the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
7. Chiranjeevi (Rs 40 crore to Rs 70 crore)
According to several media reports, veteran actor Chiranjeevi charges Rs 40 crore to Rs 70 crore per film. The eminent South Indian actor is known for his evergreen aura, charm, charming looks and iconic roles onscreen. Recently, Chiranjeevi created history by entering the prestigious Guinness World Records. The honour recognised him as the most successful star in the Indian film industry in the actor/dancer category. Some of the notable works of the Padma Vibhushan recipient include Valtair Veerayya, Indra: The Tiger, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Acharya, Godfather and Gang Leader.
8. Vijay Deverakonda (Rs 27 crore to Rs 45 crore)
One of the most popular pan-Indian actors in Indian cinema, Vijay Deverakonda charges Rs 27 crore to Rs 45 crore per film, according to IMDb. In 2011, Deverakonda debuted in the romantic comedy Nuvvila directed by Ravi Babu. Following this, he appeared in a small role in Sekhar Kammula’s Life Is Beautiful the following year. However, Vijay Deverakonda gained initial fan following from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s controversial but blockbuster film Arjun Reddy.
Although his role of a suicidal, angry and alcoholic surgeon received widespread criticism at the time, he became a popular face worldwide due to his impressive performance in Arjun Reddy.
9. Nandamuri Balakrishna (Rs 30 crore)
Last but not the least in the list of 9 highest-paid Telugu actors is Nandamuri Balakrishna. The actor and politician charges around Rs 30 crore per film and is one of the most iconic actors of Indian cinema. His notable works include Bhagavantha Kesari, Veera Simha Reddy, Akhand, Legend the Terror and others.
Disclaimer: All amounts mentioned in the article are taken from IMDb and Forbes. In some cases, celebrities or their teams also give their inputs, which we include if they give it. We try our best to share as accurate numbers as possible, however, unless otherwise mentioned, they are all estimates. We are open to feedback and suggestions at editorial@pinkvilla.com.,
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