Top 10 Highest Paid South Indian Actresses in 2025: Nayanthara to Sai Pallavi

The South Indian film industry, encompassing vibrant cinematic traditions from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, has long been a hub for talented actresses who have captivated audiences with their versatility and charisma. In recent years, these actresses have not only gained immense popularity but have also become financially empowered, commanding substantial remuneration for their roles.

Among the highest-paid South Indian actresses, Nayanthara stands out as a powerhouse, known for her powerful performances in films like Aramm and Viswasam. She has made headlines with her Bollywood debut in “Jawan,” for which she was paid Rs 10 crore, and further solidified her financial prowess by selling the rights to her wedding documentary to Netflix for a staggering Rs 25 crore.

Other notable figures include Trisha Krishnan, who continues to be in high demand, charging between Rs 10-12 crores per film, and Rashmika Mandanna, who has seen her career soar with hits like “Pushpa 2,” earning her a fee of Rs 13 crores for her role in an upcoming Salman Khan film. The financial success of these actresses reflects not only their talent but also their enduring appeal across different regions and languages.

The rise of these actresses underscores a broader trend in South Indian cinema, where women are increasingly taking center stage both on-screen and off. Their influence extends beyond the film industry, as they become cultural icons and role models for young women across the region. This article will delve into the careers and earnings of the highest-paid South Indian actresses, exploring their journey to success and the factors contributing to their financial and cultural impact.

1. Trisha Krishnan

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹10 crore to ₹12 crore
• Net Worth: ₹85 crore

Trisha Krishnan, often called the Queen of South India, is one of the highest-paid South Indian actresses, earning ₹10 crore to ₹12 crore per film with a net worth of ₹85 crore. She entered the industry after winning the Miss Chennai 1999 pageant and made her acting debut with Jodi (1999) in a supporting role before landing her first lead role in Mounam Pesiyadhe (2002).

With a career spanning over two decades, Trisha has won multiple awards, including five Filmfare Awards South, a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, and a Nandi Award. She has also worked in Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada films, cementing her status as a top actress in Indian cinema.

2. Nayanthara

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹7 crore to ₹10 crore
• Net Worth: ₹200 crore

Nayanthara, often referred to as the “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema, is one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry. With a remuneration ranging from ₹7 crore to ₹10 crore per film and a net worth of ₹200 crore, she has solidified her position as a bankable star.

She made her acting debut with the Malayalam film Manassinakkare in 2003 and soon expanded her presence across Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema with successful films like Ayya (2005), Lakshmi (2006), and Super (2010). In 2023, she made her Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, further cementing her pan-Indian appeal.

Recognized for her versatility and powerful performances, Nayanthara has been a dominant force in South Indian cinema for over two decades, featuring in more than 75 films. She was the only South Indian actress to be included in Forbes India’s “Celebrity 100” list in 2018, a testament to her influence and commercial success. Her accolades include five Filmfare Awards South, a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, a Nandi Award, and seven SIIMA Awards, making her one of the most decorated actresses in the industry.

3. Sai Pallavi

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to 15 crore
• Net Worth: ₹47 crore

Sai Pallavi, known for her natural performances and exceptional screen presence, is one of the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema. With a remuneration ranging from ₹3 crore to ₹15 crore per film and a net worth of ₹47 crore, she has carved a unique niche for herself in the industry.

Despite starting her journey with uncredited roles as a junior artist, she gained nationwide recognition with her debut lead role in the Malayalam blockbuster Premam (2015). Her portrayal of Malar, a charming and relatable teacher, won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South, making her an overnight sensation.

Sai Pallavi’s success continued as she made her Telugu debut with Fidaa (2017), where her role as Bhanumathi was widely appreciated, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu. She has since built a reputation for choosing strong, content-driven roles, often prioritizing meaningful scripts over commercial success.

Recognized for her impact on the industry, she was featured in Forbes India’s “30 Under 30” list in 2020. With six Filmfare Awards South and two South Indian International Movie Awards to her name, Sai Pallavi remains one of the most sought-after and respected actresses in South Indian cinema.

4. Rashmika Mandanna

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹4 crore to ₹10 crore
• Net Worth: ₹66 crore

Rashmika Mandanna, one of the highest-paid South Indian actresses, commands a remuneration of ₹4 crore to ₹10 crore per film and has a net worth of ₹66 crore. Starting her career as a model, she made her acting debut in the Kannada film Kirik Party (2016), which became a massive success.

She further solidified her position in the industry with hit films like Anjani Putra and Chamak in 2017. Her transition to Telugu cinema proved to be a game-changer, with Geetha Govindam (2018) earning her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Telugu and establishing her as a leading actress.

Rashmika gained pan-Indian recognition with Pushpa: The Rise (2021), where her performance as Srivalli alongside Allu Arjun contributed to the film’s blockbuster success. She continued to explore diverse roles, appearing in the critically acclaimed Sita Ramam (2022) and later making her Bollywood debut.

While her initial Hindi films received a lukewarm response, she bounced back with Animal (2023), which emerged as one of her highest-grossing films. With Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) and the historical action film Chhaava (2025).

5. Samantha Ruth Prabhu

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore
• Net Worth: ₹100 crore

Samantha Ruth Prabhu is one of the most accomplished and one of South India’s highest-paid actresses, earning between ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore per film with a net worth of ₹100 crore. She began her career as a model before making her acting debut in the Telugu romantic drama Ye Maaya Chesave (2010), which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South.

Her talent and versatility quickly set her apart, leading her to become the second actress to win both the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil and Best Actress – Telugu in the same year for her performances in Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012) and Eega (2012).

Samantha has consistently delivered memorable performances in both Tamil and Telugu cinema, solidifying her position as one of the industry’s leading actresses. Over the years, she has earned numerous accolades, including four Filmfare Awards South, two Nandi Awards, and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

Beyond films, she has also ventured into the digital space with the acclaimed web series The Family Man 2 (2021), proving her ability to excel across different mediums.

6. Srinidhi Shetty

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹7 crore
• Net Worth: ₹20 crore

Srinidhi Shetty, one of the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema, commands a remuneration of ₹7 crore per film and has a net worth of ₹20 crore. Before entering the film industry, she gained fame as a model and beauty pageant titleholder, winning Miss Supranational 2016—becoming only the second Indian to achieve this honor.

Her transition into acting was nothing short of spectacular, making her debut in the Kannada action blockbuster KGF: Chapter 1 (2018). She reprised her role in the sequel, KGF: Chapter 2 (2022), which shattered box office records, earning her the SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Kannada.

Beyond her acting career, Srinidhi has been a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment industry, frequently ranking in Bangalore Times’ Most Desirable Women list, securing top positions from 2016 to 2020. With a massive fan following, she is one of the most followed Kannada actresses on Instagram.

7. Anushka Shetty

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore
• Net Worth: ₹130 crores

Anushka Shetty, one of the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema, earns between ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore per film and has a net worth of ₹130 crore. She made her acting debut with Super (2005), earning a Filmfare nomination, and gained widespread recognition with S. S. Rajamouli’s Vikramarkudu (2006).

With over 50 films to her credit, Anushka has delivered several blockbusters and is known for her powerful performances in films like Arundhati, Baahubali, and Bhaagamathie. She has won multiple accolades, including three Filmfare Awards South, two Nandi Awards, and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award. Honored with the Kalaimamani award in 2010, she remains a dominant force in the industry.

8. Pooja Hegde

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹4 crore to ₹7 crore
• Net Worth: ₹55-60 crore

Pooja Hegde, one of the highest-paid South Indian actress, earns between ₹4 crore to ₹7 crore per film and has a net worth of ₹55-60 crore. She began her career as the second runner-up in the Miss Universe India 2010 pageant before transitioning into acting.

Her film debut came with the Tamil movie Mugamoodi (2012), followed by her Telugu breakthrough in Oka Laila Kosam (2014). Despite a rocky Bollywood start with Mohenjo Daro (2016), she rose to prominence in Telugu cinema and became one of its most sought-after actresses. With four SIIMA Awards to her name, she continues to be a major force in the industry.

9. Tamannaah Bhatia

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹4 crore to ₹5 crore
• Net Worth: ₹120 crore

Tamannaah Bhatia, one of the highest-paid actresses in the Telugu and Tamil film industries, earns between ₹4 crore to ₹5 crore per film and has a net worth of ₹120 crore. She made her acting debut with the Hindi film Chand Sa Roshan Chehra (2005) before venturing into Telugu cinema with Sree (2005) and Tamil cinema with Kedi (2006).

With a career spanning over 85 films, Tamannaah has established herself as a leading actress in Telugu and Tamil industries. She has received multiple accolades, including two Santosham Film Awards, two SIIMA Awards, and the prestigious Kalaimamani Award. Known for her versatility, she remains a prominent figure in Indian cinema.

10. Mrunal Thakur

• Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore
• Net Worth: ₹33 crore

Mrunal Thakur, one of the rising stars in South Indian cinema, earns between ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore per film and has a net worth of ₹33 crore. She began her career in television, gaining recognition with Kumkum Bhagya (2014–2016), which won her an ITA Award.

Her Bollywood debut came with Love Sonia (2018), followed by successful films like Super 30 and Batla House (2019). After a brief career slump, she found immense success in Telugu cinema with Sita Ramam (2022), winning the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu, and Hi Nanna (2023), further solidifying her place among the highest-paid South Indian actresses.

List of Highest Paid South Indian Actresses

Here is the list of the top 20 highest-paid actresses in South India.

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