10 Highest-Paid Telugu Actors in 2024?

Highest-Paid Telugu Actors

The Telugu film industry, fondly known as Tollywood, has been making waves across India and beyond. With its larger-than-life productions and charismatic stars, it’s no wonder that Telugu actors are commanding some of the highest salaries in the Indian film industry. Let’s dive into the world of Tollywood’s top earners and discover who’s leading the pack in 2024.

1. Prabhas: The Pan-Indian Superstar

Prabhas, the heartthrob who shot to nationwide fame with the “Baahubali” franchise, continues to reign supreme as the highest-paid actor in Tollywood. His massive popularity and pan-Indian appeal have skyrocketed his fees to an astounding ₹100-200 crore per film. With four big-budget projects in his kitty, including “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam,” Prabhas is set to dominate the box office in the coming years.

The “Rebel Star” has come a long way since his debut, consistently delivering blockbusters that resonate with audiences across India. His ability to seamlessly transition between action-packed roles and romantic characters has made him a favorite among filmmakers and fans alike. Prabhas’s dedication to his craft, coupled with his humble demeanor off-screen, has endeared him to millions. As he continues to push the boundaries of Indian cinema with his ambitious projects, it’s clear that Prabhas’s star power shows no signs of dimming anytime soon.

2. Allu Arjun: The Stylish Icon

Allu Arjun, affectionately known as the “Stylish Star,” has cemented his place as one of Tollywood’s highest-paid actors. His remuneration ranges from ₹100-125 crore per film, reflecting his massive fan following and box office pull. The phenomenal success of “Pushpa: The Rise” has catapulted him to pan-India stardom, with fans eagerly awaiting the sequel, “Pushpa: The Rule”.

Allu Arjun’s journey in the film industry is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his impeccable dance moves and versatile acting skills, he has consistently delivered hit after hit. His unique style and charismatic screen presence have made him a trendsetter in fashion and pop culture. Off-screen, Allu Arjun is known for his philanthropy and down-to-earth nature, which has only added to his massive fan base. With several exciting projects in the pipeline, including collaborations with top directors, Allu Arjun’s star is set to shine even brighter in the coming years.

3. Mahesh Babu: The Prince of Tollywood

Mahesh Babu, often hailed as the “Prince of Tollywood,” commands a hefty fee of ₹80-100 crore per film. His upcoming collaboration with SS Rajamouli, tentatively titled SSMB29, is set to be made on a whopping budget of over ₹1000 crores, for which he is reportedly charging ₹125 crores. Mahesh Babu’s consistent box office success and massive fan following justify his high remuneration.

Starting his career as a child artist, Mahesh Babu has grown to become one of the most respected actors in the Telugu film industry. Known for his subtle yet powerful performances, he has a knack for choosing scripts that resonate with both critics and audiences. His clean-cut image and philanthropic efforts have made him a role model for many. Mahesh Babu’s upcoming projects, especially his collaboration with SS Rajamouli, are among the most anticipated films in Indian cinema, promising to take his stardom to new heights.

4. Jr NTR: The Young Tiger

Jr NTR, grandson of the legendary NT Rama Rao, has carved out his own niche in Tollywood. Commanding a fee of approximately ₹100 crore per film, Jr NTR’s star power is undeniable. He’s currently busy with the magnum opus “Devara: Part 1,” for which he’s charging ₹60 crores, and his remuneration for “War 2” opposite Hrithik Roshan is reportedly ₹70 crore.

Jr NTR’s journey in cinema is a testament to his versatility and dedication. From action-packed roles to emotional dramas, he has showcased his acting prowess across various genres. His recent success with “RRR” has further solidified his position as a pan-Indian star. Known for his intense performances and ability to bring depth to his characters, Jr NTR continues to push his boundaries with each film. His upcoming projects, including collaborations with top directors like Prashanth Neel, are eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike.

5. Ram Charan: The Mega Power Star

Ram Charan, son of megastar Chiranjeevi, has made a name for himself as one of Tollywood’s most bankable stars. His remuneration ranges from ₹90-100 crore per film. For his upcoming film “Game Changer,” directed by Shankar, Ram Charan has opted for a profit-sharing model instead of a fixed fee, which could potentially fetch him more than ₹100 crores.

Ram Charan’s rise to stardom is a perfect blend of talent, hard work, and lineage. While he had big shoes to fill as Chiranjeevi’s son, Ram Charan has successfully carved out his own identity in the industry. Known for his intense performances and dedication to his roles, he has consistently delivered blockbusters. His recent success with “RRR” has catapulted him to international recognition. Off-screen, Ram Charan is known for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts. With exciting projects like “Game Changer” and collaborations with acclaimed directors in the pipeline, Ram Charan’s future in cinema looks brighter than ever.

6. Pawan Kalyan: The Power Star

Pawan Kalyan, fondly called the “Power Star,” continues to be one of the highest-paid actors in Tollywood despite his reduced film appearances due to his political career. His remuneration ranges from ₹60-100 crore per film. For his upcoming film “OG,” Pawan Kalyan is reportedly charging a whopping ₹100 crores.

Pawan Kalyan’s journey in cinema is as dynamic as his on-screen persona. Known for his energetic performances and mass appeal, he has a dedicated fan base that spans generations. His ability to balance his film career with his political aspirations has only added to his popularity. Pawan Kalyan’s choice of scripts often reflects his social and political views, making his films more than just entertainment. With several high-profile projects in the pipeline, including “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” and “Ustaad Bhagat Singh,” Pawan Kalyan continues to be a force to reckon with in Tollywood.

7. Chiranjeevi: The Megastar

Chiranjeevi, a living legend of Telugu cinema, continues to command top fees despite being in the industry for decades. His remuneration ranges from ₹40-70 crore per film. For his recent film “Bhola Shankar,” Chiranjeevi reportedly charged between ₹63 to ₹65 crores, although there were reports of some financial issues with the producer.

Chiranjeevi’s influence on Telugu cinema is immeasurable. With a career spanning over four decades, he has been a trendsetter and a guiding light for many aspiring actors. His ability to reinvent himself with changing times and still maintain his mass appeal is a testament to his star power. Chiranjeevi’s recent films have shown that he still has what it takes to pull audiences to theaters. His upcoming projects are eagerly awaited by fans who are always excited to see what new dimension the Megastar will bring to his roles.

8. Vijay Deverakonda: The Rising Star

Vijay Deverakonda, the heartthrob who shot to fame with “Arjun Reddy,” has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of Tollywood’s highest-paid actors. His remuneration ranges from ₹27-45 crore per film, depending on the project size. This impressive fee structure reflects his massive popularity among the youth and his growing pan-India appeal.

Vijay Deverakonda’s rise to stardom is nothing short of meteoric. Known for his unconventional choice of roles and raw, intense performances, he has carved a unique niche for himself in the industry. His charismatic screen presence and off-screen persona have made him a youth icon. Vijay’s foray into Bollywood with “Liger” may not have gone as planned, but it has not dampened his spirit or his market value. With several exciting projects in the pipeline, including collaborations with top directors, Vijay Deverakonda is set to continue his upward trajectory in the coming years.

9. Nandamuri Balakrishna: The Veteran Powerhouse

Nandamuri Balakrishna, popularly known as Balayya, has entered the list of highest-paid Telugu actors with a significant pay hike for “Akhanda 2.” He’s reportedly charging ₹30 crores for the film, which is 20% of the movie’s total rumored budget of ₹150 crores. This marks a 66% increase from his previous remuneration of ₹20 crores for NBK 109.

Balakrishna’s journey in cinema is a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility. Son of the legendary NT Rama Rao, Balakrishna has carved out his own identity with powerful performances and mass appeal. His collaborations with director Boyapati Srinu have resulted in blockbusters like “Simha,” “Legend,” and “Akhanda.” Known for his energetic performances and dialogue delivery, Balakrishna continues to be a favorite among the masses. His recent foray into hosting with “Unstoppable with NBK” has showcased a different side of his personality, further endearing him to audiences.

10. Nani: The Natural Star

Rounding off our list is Nani, affectionately called the “Natural Star” for his effortless acting. For his recent film “Saripodhaa Sanivaaram,” Nani reportedly earned an impressive ₹25 crores. This significant remuneration reflects his consistent box office success and growing popularity across different audience segments.

Nani’s journey in the film industry is a perfect example of how talent and perseverance can lead to success. Starting his career as an assistant director, Nani’s transition to acting was marked by performances that resonated with the common man. His ability to portray relatable characters with ease has earned him a dedicated fan base. Known for his versatility, Nani has successfully straddled different genres, from romantic comedies to intense dramas. His recent choices of scripts that blend commercial elements with strong content have further cemented his position in the industry. With several interesting projects in the pipeline, Nani’s star continues to rise in Tollywood.

The success of these actors is not just about their on-screen charisma or acting skills. It’s also a reflection of their ability to connect with audiences, their smart choice of scripts, and their dedication to their craft. Each of these stars brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Prabhas’s pan-Indian appeal, Allu Arjun’s style, Mahesh Babu’s consistency, or the raw energy of younger stars like Vijay Deverakonda.

As we look to the future of Telugu cinema, it’s clear that these actors will continue to play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory. Their ability to draw audiences to theaters, even in an age of digital streaming, underscores the enduring appeal of the big screen experience. With pan-Indian projects becoming the norm and Telugu cinema gaining recognition on global platforms, the sky’s the limit for these Tollywood superstars.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *