Why Southern actors are triumphing in the glory of remuneration?

South Indian actors have been making significant waves in Bollywood over the past few years, with their fame extending beyond India to various countries. Icons like Rajinikanth, Thalapathy Vijay, Allu Arjun, and Prabhas have emerged as some of the highest-paid stars in the industry.

In both Bollywood and the southern film industry, a substantial portion of a movie's budget is allocated to actors' remuneration. In some cases, these stars not only receive a salary but also share in the film's profits. According to recent statistics, Bollywood king Shahrukh Khan, is the highest-paid actor in Indian cinema, commanding fees between 200 to 250 crore rupees per film. Following him is Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, who earns between 150 to 210 crore rupees per movie. His latest release, 'Jailer,' initially brought him Rs 110 crore, and after the film's success, he received an additional Rs 100 crore in dividends, bringing his total earnings to Rs 210 crore.

The third name on this list is Tamil superstar Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, commonly known as Thalapathy Vijay. He earned 175 crore rupees for his recently released movie, The Goat – Greatest of All Time. This sci-fi action thriller, made at a cost of around 400 crore rupees, set a record by earning 98 crore on its first day of release. However, it experienced a significant decline on its second day, bringing in only Rs 52 crore.

According to Bollywood web data, The Goat grossed Rs 270 crore worldwide in its first 13 days and set several box office records, becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024 and the ninth highest-grossing Tamil film of all time. In terms of remuneration, the South Indian film industry ranks fourth overall.

Tamil superstar Prabhas, known for his role in Baahubali, charges between 150 to 175 crore per film, becoming the fourth highest paid actor. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is also in the top five, commanding fees between 120 to 150 crore rupees per movie, a figure echoed by Tamil legend Kamal Haasan. However, when it comes to remuneration, Tamil actors dominate among the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries.

While the popularity of various South Indian cinema industries is rapidly growing worldwide, the perception of Indian cinema has shifted significantly in recent years. Historically, Bollywood was considered the preeminent force in Indian film, but South Indian movies have begun to change that narrative.

From screenplays to star power, southern cinema excels in all aspects. Its original, story-driven narratives and efficient production styles are challenging Bollywood’s often remake-driven approach. Despite being regional stars, the influence of South Indian actors is spreading globally. Furthermore, the appreciation for these actors within the Bollywood industry continues to grow each day.