From Sai Pallavi to Rashmika Mandanna: The 2025 Powerhouses of South Cinema

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

Sai Pallavi: The 15 Crore  Stunner

Sai Pallavi, the star set to play Sita in the Ramayana trilogy with Ranbir Kapoor, is reportedly commanding up to ₹15 crore per project. With her box-office success and unmatchable screen presence, she’s not just an actress, but a powerhouse.

Rashmika Mandanna: From Srivalli to 13 Crore

Rashmika Mandanna, the darling of Pushpa 2, has reportedly charged ₹10 crore for her role in the sequel and up to ₹13 crore for Salman Khan’s Sikander. She’s skyrocketing in popularity and remuneration.

Nayanthara: The Queen  of South Cinema

Nayanthara remains one of India’s highest-paid actresses, with her rate fluctuating between ₹3-12 crore per film. As the only South Indian actress to make it to Forbes India’s “Celebrity 100” list, her star power is undeniable.

Trisha Krishnan: The  12-Crore Queen

Trisha, after two decades in the industry, continues to rule the roost, demanding ₹10-12 crore per film. Her upcoming movie Vishwambhara saw her bagging ₹12 crore, solidifying her position in South Indian cinema.

Anushka Shetty: Baahubali’s Beauty

Famous for her role in Baahubali, Anushka Shetty is one of the top earners in the South Indian film industry, reportedly charging ₹5-7 crore per movie. Her stature in the industry ensures her pay is as grand as her roles.

Tamannaah Bhatia: The Versatile Star

Known for her work in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, Tamannaah Bhatia has amassed an impressive body of work and charges ₹4-5 crore per film. With 89 films under her belt, she’s one of the highest-paid actresses in South India.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu: The ₹8 Crore Diva

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, with multiple awards and iconic roles, is one of the highest-paid in South India, commanding anywhere from ₹3-8 crore per film. Her relentless talent and massive fan base keep her at the top of her game.

Rising Paychecks for  South Actresses

From Ramayana to Pushpa 2, the leading ladies of South Indian cinema are dominating both the screen and the pay scales. Their acting chops and box-office dominance are elevating them to new financial heights.

Pan-India Stars with  Pan-India Paychecks

As South Indian cinema becomes more global, these actresses are not just household names—they’re commanding multi-crore paychecks, reflecting their ability to draw audiences across India and beyond.