Top 10 Highest Paid Malayalam Actors in 2025: Mohanlal to Asif Ali

Critically acclaimed legacy of the Malayalam film industry, popularly known as Mollywood, where a talennted actors have earned accolades through their decades of masterful cinematic portrayals. Two names that head the list are Mohanlal and Mammootty. These two have become prima donnas, not only due to their acting but also because they are the highest-paid individuals in the industry.

Mohanlal, also known as Lalettan, has always been the benchmark for versatility when it comes to charisma and performance. Apart from acting, he has business investments, including film production and brand endorsements, which form a part of his substantial net worth of $50 million. Mammootty, another stalwart of Malayalam cinema, apart from being one of the richest Malayalam actors, charges a net worth of approximately ₹340 crore. He has been in the arena for more than fifty years; his career is marked by signature performances and long-sustained income from endorsements and property investments.

The top spots are occupied by Mohanlal and Mammootty. However, the likes of Dulquer Salmaan, Fahadh Faasil, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Tovino Thomas are already making space for themselves with some top-earning credits. This competitive pay structure not only reflects stardom but also depicts the changing commercial viability of Malayalam cinema in both regional and national markets.

1. Mohanlal

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹8 to ₹17 crore

Mohanlal, one of the greatest Malayalam movie stars, has a career spanning more than four decades with over 400 films to his credit. He has also worked in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada movies, and is renowned for his versatility.

A celebrated name for his enormous contribution to Indian cinema, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019. In 2009, he was the first Indian actor to be conferred the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army. Paid a salary of ₹8 to ₹17 crore per film, Mohanlal is one of the highest-paid actors of the Malayalam cinema.

2. Mammootty

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹4 crore to ₹10 crore

Mammootty is one of the most eminent actors of the Malayalam film industry, whose illustrious career spanning over five decades has seen him appear in more than 400 films. He is a great actor popular in the entire Indian film industry for his powerful performances in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English films.

He has won many State and Filmfare Awards, three National Awards, and received the Padma Shri in 1998 for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2022, he further cemented his legacy by being awarded the Kerala Prabha Award. Today, Mammootty is still one of the highest earners in the Malayalam industry, earning somewhere between ₹4 crore and ₹10 crore per film.

3. Prithviraj Sukumaran

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹10 crore

Prithviraj Sukumaran is a versatile actor, producer, and director who works both in and outside the Kerala film industry. He has received numerous awards such as the National Film Award and several Kerala State Film Awards for his 100-plus films across the Indian languages Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu.

The first film in which he acted was Nandanam (2002), thereafter he was popularized by Classmates (2006) and the youngest Kerala State Film Award winner for Vaasthavam (2006). He made his debut as a director with the successful Lucifer in 2019, has produced quality hits like Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020), Salaar (2023), and The Goat Life (2024). Prithviraj continues to be among the top-paid Malayalam actors, earning between ₹3 and ₹10 crore per film.

4. Dulquer Salmaan

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore

Dulquer Salmaan, a multi-talented actor and producer, has made his mark in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. Formerly a business manager in Dubai, he began acting after learning at Barry John Acting Studio, making his debut with Second Show (2012).

He is known for Ustad Hotel (2012), Bangalore Days (2014), Charlie (2015), and Kurup (2021). His biggest earners are Mahanati (2018), Sita Ramam (2022), and Lucky Baskhar (2024). A recipient of multiple Filmfare and Kerala State Film Awards, Dulquer commands a fee of ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore per film.

5. Fahadh Faasil

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3.5 crore to ₹6 crore

Fahadh Faasil, who is himself an exponent of versatility, is one of the most sought-after actors in Malayalam cinema. The son of filmmaker Fazil, he made his on-screen debut with Kaiyethum Doorath (2002) but had his breakthrough much later, with Kerala Cafe (2009) and Chaappa Kurishu (2011).

Fahadh has won many awards and accolades for his performances, including the National Film Award and multiple Kerala State Film Awards. Well-acclaimed for his roles with intensity and diversity, Fahadh is nevertheless an ever-performing force. His remuneration is said to range between 3.5 to 6 crore per film, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the Malayalam industry.

6. Suresh Gopi

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹7 crore

Suresh Gopi is a veteran actor and a politician who has ruled the roost in Malayalam cinema for a long time. He acted in more than 250 films from which, as a child, he began performing Odayil Ninnu (1965) and then carved out a niche for himself through his intense role performances.

He received the National Film Award and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in 1998 for his act in Kaliyattam. He is also a successful actor and currently serves as Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, as well as Tourism in India. Not in vain, Suresh Gopi is counted among the highest-paid actors in Malayalam cinema: his pay for acting ranges between ₹3 crore to ₹7 crore per film.

7. Nivin Pauly

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹6 crore

With his sparkling screen charisma, Nivin Pauly is among the prominent stars of Malayalam cinema. He attained fame with Thattathin Marayathu (2012) and earned household status with the hits Neram (2013), Premam (2015), and Kayamkulam Kochunni (2018).

He is known for his versatility and has received several Kerala State Film Awards and Filmfare Awards South. With a strong fan base and a consistent series of hit films, Nivin earns ₹3 crore to ₹6 crore per film.

8. Tovino Thomas

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore

Known for his versatility, Tovino has made a name for himself in the ever-challenging field of Malayalam cinema. After his debut film Prabhuvinte Makkal (2012), he gained recognition in Malayalam cinema with ABCD (2013) and Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015) and was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

His reputation subsequently followed him with the films Mayanadhi (2017) and Kala (2021) and most of all in the Netflix superhero movie Minnal Murali (2021). Having received numerous honors, including the SIIMA Award for Best Actor, he charges between ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore per film, placing him in the crème de la crème of earners among actors in the Malayalam film industry.

9. Unni Mukundan

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore

Appraised for his action-oriented characterizations, Unni Mukundan has made a lasting impression on the Malayalam screen. He initially gained fame through Mallu Singh (2012) after making his film debut with Seedan (2011). He went on to act in many successful films, including Vikramadithyan (2014), Style (2016), and, most recently, Malikappuram (2022).

From his performances in Telugu and Tamil cinema, Janatha Garage (2016) and Garudan (2024), he has gained a larger fan following. With his great screen presence and rapidly growing fan following, Unni Mukundan is reportedly charging anywhere between ₹2 crore and ₹4 crore per picture.

10. Asif Ali

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore

Asif Ali’s performance versatility and sincerity in his films has made a huge mark for him in the Malayalam film industry. Ritu (2009) was his debut, followed by Apoorvaragam (2010), Traffic (2011), and Salt N’ Pepper (2011), which brought him a collection of popular films. His commercial mileage was consolidated with the sound Honey Bee in 2013, and for Nirnayakam (2015), he won a National Award.

Vijay Superum Pournamiyum (2019), Sunday Holiday (2017), and Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016) were all components in the winning streak. A hit after another, Asif Ali continues to be one of the hottest performers in Malayalam cinema.