Indian cinema is reaching newer heights, not just in terms of international reach and box office figures but also regarding the amount that its biggest stars earn. As we enter the second half of 2025, the entertainment sector still sees an enormous hike in actor fees. Whether it’s Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, or other regional industries, the star factor continues to be out of sight.
As per a January 8, 2025, Forbes India report, this year’s list of India’s highest-paid actors includes a combination of all-time greats and energetic newer-generation stars. While some, such as Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth, are timeless, it’s Allu Arjun who has surprisingly taken the number one position this year due to his hit franchise and fast-expanding fan base.
Here are the top 10 highest-paid Indian actors of 2025 and how much they charge per movie.
1. Allu Arjun – ₹ 300 Crore per movie | Net worth: ₹ 350 Crore
The “Pushpa” phenomenon is a reality, and Allu Arjun is living proof. With the highly awaited sequel Pushpa 2 breaking records even before release, Allu Arjun apparently charged a whopping ₹300 crore for the film, making him the top-paid actor in the nation. His unparalleled swag, mass popularity, and dance skills continue to mesmerize audiences pan-India.
2. Thalapathy Vijay – ₹130–₹275 Crore | Net Worth: ₹474 Crore
Vijay Thalapathy, a leading force in Tamil cinema and a superstar in politics, continues to be one of the industry’s most dependable stars. With the buzz around his upcoming film Jana Nayagan, rumored to be his final one, his remuneration has soared to an astounding ₹275 crore. Fans already have this movie as a farewell bash.
3. Shah Rukh Khan – ₹150–₹250 Crore | Net Worth: ₹6300 Crore
Shah Rukh Khan, fondly known as the Badshah of Bollywood, continues to command a towering presence both on-screen and off it, with a charisma that transcends generations. With recent blockbusters and a successful production company (Red Chillies Entertainment), and even ownership of the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, SRK’s reach goes far beyond the silver screen. In spite of ranking third in earnings, his net worth cannot be matched.
4. Rajinikanth – ₹125–₹270 Crore | Net Worth: ₹430 Crore
The Thalaiva still fetches sky-high fees even after decades of being in the industry. Rajinikanth’s charm, simplicity, and unmatched fandom allow him to be among the most respected actors in all of India. His salary is between ₹125 crore and ₹270 crore per movie.
5. Aamir Khan – ₹100–₹275 Crore | Net Worth: ₹1862 Crore
Famous for his perfectionism and limited film releases, Aamir Khan’s films are usually passion ventures with rigorous detailing. Despite being choosy, his pay scale has reached up to ₹275 crore. His film Sitaare Zameen Par brought him back into the spotlight, making him both relevant and in demand once again.
6. Prabhas – ₹100–₹200 Crore | Net Worth: ₹241 Crore
Since Baahubali, Prabhas has been a pan-India phenomenon. Although some of his recent movies have been below-par performers, he’s still one of the best-paid stars. Though reportedly he’s lowered his pay for The RajaSaab, he still earns in the region of ₹100–₹200 crore per outing.
7. Ajith Kumar – ₹105–₹165 Crore | Net Worth: ₹196 Crore
The mysterious Ajith Kumar, who keeps himself aloof from the media and publicity, has a cult status in Tamil Nadu. His huge fan club makes sure that his movies release to houseful shows, making his salary bracket of ₹105 to ₹165 crore justified.
8. Salman Khan – ₹100–₹150 Crore | Net Worth: ₹2900 Crore
Bollywood’s Bhai Salman Khan remains on top of the box office with mass entertainers. Besides his film salary, he earns colossal amounts in the form of brand endorsements and television shows such as Bigg Boss. His fee for a movie lies in the range of ₹100 and ₹150 crore.
9. Kamal Haasan – ₹100–₹150 Crore | Net Worth: ₹150 Crore
The mythic Kamal Haasan, who is famous for breaking creative limits, is still revered in Indian cinema. With movies like Indian 2 keeping his fans enticed, he is still demanding ₹100–₹150 crore per film.
10. Akshay Kumar – ₹60–₹145 Crore | Net Worth: ₹2500 Crore
Akshay Kumar, one of Bollywood’s most dependable stars, is famous for taking on several films every year. While his per-film pay may be lower than some others in this group, his work rate, investments, and endorsements make him a high-net-worth talent.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Pan-India Stardom
While Bollywood has traditionally ruled national discourse, the advent of Southern superstars such as Allu Arjun, Thalapathy Vijay, and Prabhas has revolutionized the concept of stardom in India. With pan-India releases, language is no longer a barrier, and actors from all film industries are commanding immense respect and money.
So, who’s your favorite actor from this list? Is it the stylish Allu Arjun, the global icon Shah Rukh Khan, or the ever-iconic Rajinikanth? Let us know in the comments!