Top 10 Highest Paid Kannada Actors in 2025: Yash to Rishab Shetty

Sandalwood, or the Kannada film industry, has blossomed in the last few years, becoming one of the leading industries of Indian cinema. Such an assertion about the flourishing state of this industry is justified by the great craftsmanship and dedication of its actors, many of whom have gained acclaim both nationally and internationally.

The change in Kannada cinema’s economic equations has been cleverly manipulated by the top stars, such as Yash and Darshan Thoogudeep, who flaunt their earnings and extend the reach of Sandalwood across India and abroad.

Other notable names include versatile actors who shone with some unforgettable performances, like Upendra, Sudeep, Rishab Shetty, and Darshan Thoogudeep. Their endeavors have given Kannada cinema a new meaning, raising the criteria for measuring success in regional and national cinema.

1. Yash

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore

A Kannada actor, Yash has a charging capacity between ₹50 or ₹100 crore per movie. With many awards from SIIMA and Filmfare, Yash initiated acting in television and made a debut film with Jambada Hudugi (2007).

This was followed up by hits such as Googly (2013), Raja Huli (2013), Gajakesari (2014), and Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari (2014). The movies K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018) and K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022) gave a further boost to the actor’s career, the latter still known as the highest-grossing Kannada film.

2. Darshan Thoogudeepa

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹20 crore to ₹25 crore

Starting with TV and small roles, Darshan Thoogudeepa made his entry as a hero with Majestic (2002). He solidified his star status with blockbusters Kariya (2003), Kalasipalya (2004), Gaja (2008), Saarathi (2011), Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012), Yajamana (2019), Roberrt (2021), and Kaatera (2023), again firmly placing himself at the center of Kannada cinema.

With a career spanning more than two decades and with more than 50 films to his name, he has collected such an immense fan base, which is also known by the names “Challenging Star” and “D Boss.” He demands ₹20 crore to ₹25 crore per film.

3. Kichcha Sudeep

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore

Kichcha Sudeep, one of the highly paid Kannada actors, earns between ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore for each movie. He is a multi-faceted person who has made a mark in television hosting, directing, producing, and acting. He has been honored with four Filmfare awards, and he was the first Kannada actor to find his name in the list of Forbes India Top 100 Celebrities in 2013.

He has made his name through Sparsha (2000) and Huchha, which was released in 2001 and gave him the famous moniker. Apart from becoming well-known for Long Host-Hood in Bigg Boss Kannada, he has been giving critically-acclaimed performances consistently in films such as Nandhi and Swathi Muthu.

4. Upendra

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore

A well-known versatile performer of Kannada films, Upendra may charge between ₹10 crore and ₹15 crore for a film. Known as an actor, director, writer, and politician, Upendra has directed several evergreen movies, including 2008’s Budhivanta, 2015’s Uppi 2, 2003’s Raktha Kanneeru, 2002’s Kutumba, and 2000’s Preethse.

He is also distinguishable because of his bold concepts and unique styles of narration. He entered politics after acting, founded the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP) in 2018, and headed the party since then.

5. Rishab Shetty

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore

One of the highest-paid actors in Kannada cinema, Rishab Shetty reportedly charges anywhere between ₹10 crore and ₹15 crore per film. The hit film Kantara further popularized him as an extraordinary actor, director, and writer. The movie had a worldwide box office collection of ₹400-450 crore, making it the second highest-grossing Kannada film of all time.

He has been awarded many honors for his works, including three National Film Awards. Rishab Shetty continues to be a huge influence in Kannada cinema because of his unique style of filmmaking and his powerful storytelling methods.

6. Dhruva Sarja

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹10 crore

Dhruva Sarja, one of the top earners in Kannada actors, charges ₹10 crore per film. He made a strong debut with Addhuri (2012), earning praise for his performance. His subsequent films, including Bahaddur (2013), Bharjari (2017), and Pogaru (2021), solidified his place in the industry.

7. Shivarajkumar

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹8 crore

Shivarajkumar is known to be one of the highest-paid actors in the Kannada film industry, charging ₹8 crore per film. He is the son of the legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar, who has had a stellar career spanning over three decades with an excess of 125 films.

Fondly called Shivanna, he made his debut as a lead actor in Anand (1986), which was received with critical acclaim and commercial success. His consecutive hits Ratha Sapthami (1986) and Manamecchida Hudugi (1987) earned him the title, “Hat-trick Hero.” Shivarajkumar dominated the industry amid many awards, including four Karnataka State Film Awards.

8. Rakshit Shetty

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore

Rakshit Shetty is one of the most highly paid actors in the Kannada film industry, charging around ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore for a feature film. He is a talented actor and filmmaker who has been working in the industry for quite a while.

He shot into recognition with Simple Agi Ondh Love Story (2013) and set his own benchmark with multiple acclaimed films like Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2015), Kirik Party (2016), and 777 Charlie (2022), which went on to prove a monumental success in his career. He has several accolades to his name, including one National Film Award. Rakshit keeps unsettling the creative boundaries in Kannada cinema.

9. Sri Murali

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹7 crore

Murali made his debut in 2003 film, Chandra Chakori. He later became famous with his film Kanti in 2004, which won him the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor. He charges Rs 7 crore per film.

His career reached sky-high limits with Ugramm, which became a result-oriented film in 2014. A known performer who has entered a tremendous degree of intensity, Sri Murali is still a major player in the Kannada film industry.

10. Ganesh

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore

Ranging from ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore per movie, Ganesh is one of the highest-paid actors in Kannada cinema. His film Mungaru Male (2006), which was a box office success, earned him the title of Golden Star.

Ganesh has an illustrious career in production, television, and cinema, during which he has earned several awards including two Filmfare. He is a very popular actor with his dependable performances and mass appeal in Kannada films.