Top 10 Highest Paid Telugu Actors in 2025: ‘Pushpa’ Star Allu Arjun to ‘Baahubali’ Star Prabhas

The Telugu film industry, commonly known as Tollywood, has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, catapulting its stars to national and international fame. This rise is largely attributed to the success of films like Baahubali and Pushpa, which have not only captivated local audiences but also resonated with viewers across India. As a result, Telugu actors have become highly sought after, commanding substantial remuneration for their roles.

The likes of Prabhas, Allu Arjun, and Mahesh Babu have emerged as pan-Indian superstars, with their fees reflecting their immense popularity and the industry’s expanding reach. The financial dynamics of Tollywood have evolved significantly, with actors’ remuneration often surpassing that of their Bollywood counterparts. This trend is driven by the industry’s increasing influence in the pan-India market, where films are now produced with budgets rivaling those of major Bollywood productions.

Actors like Jr NTR and Ram Charan are also among the highest-paid, with Jr NTR reportedly commanding an impressive Rs 60 crore for his role in ‘Devara. ‘ and Ram Charan opting for profit-sharing models that can yield even higher earnings. This shift underscores the growing economic and cultural impact of Tollywood on Indian cinema as a whole.

1. Allu Arjun

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹300 crore

Allu Arjun charges an impressive ₹300 crore for the recent film Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), making him one of the highest-paid actors in India. Known for his electrifying screen presence and exceptional dance skills, he has earned numerous accolades, including a National Film Award, six Filmfare Awards, and three Nandi Awards.

His breakthrough came with Arya (2004), followed by a series of blockbuster hits like Bunny (2005), Desamuduru (2007), and Parugu (2008). However, it was the Pushpa franchise that catapulted him to pan-Indian stardom, with Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and its highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), solidifying his place among the industry’s elite.

2. Prabhas

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore

Prabhas, one of Telugu cinema’s biggest stars, charges between ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore per film, making him one of the highest-paid Telugu actors. He gained recognition with Varsham (2004) and went on to deliver hits like Chatrapathi (2005), Darling (2010), and Mirchi (2013), winning the Nandi Award for Best Actor.

His career reached new heights with Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and its sequel Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), which became a record-breaking blockbuster and cemented his status as India’s first pan-Indian star. Despite some setbacks, he regained momentum with Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023) and Kalki 2898 AD (2024). Known as the “Rebel Star,” Prabhas has been a consistent name in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2015.

3. Ram Charan

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹90 crore to ₹100 crore

Ram Charan, one of the highest-paid actors in Telugu cinema, charges between ₹90 crore to ₹100 crore per film. Known for his exceptional performances and dance skills, he has been a part of Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2013.

With multiple accolades, including four Filmfare Awards and two Nandi Awards, he has established himself as a top-tier star. Beyond acting, he is also a film producer and entrepreneur, further solidifying his influence in the industry.

4. Mahesh Babu

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹80 crore to ₹100 crore

Known as the “Superstar,” he has been a mainstay in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2012. He charges between ₹80 crore to ₹100 crore per film.

With a career spanning over 25 films, he has won numerous accolades, including nine Nandi Awards and five Filmfare Telugu Awards. Apart from acting, he is also a successful producer, owning G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, further expanding his influence in the industry.

5. Pawan Kalyan

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹60 crore to ₹100 crore

Pawan Kalyan, a powerhouse in Telugu cinema, charges between ₹60 crore to ₹100 crore per film. Known for his unique style and massive fan following, he has been a consistent presence in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2012.

Beyond acting, he is an influential politician, serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and leading the Janasena Party. With a Filmfare Award and a SIIMA Award to his name, Kalyan continues to leave a lasting impact both on and off the screen.

6. Jr. NTR

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹45 crore to ₹75 crore

Jr. NTR, known as the “Man of Masses,” commands a fee of ₹45 crore to ₹75 crore per film. A dominant force in Telugu cinema, he has been a regular in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2012.

With a career spanning 30 films, he has earned multiple accolades, including three Filmfare Awards South and two Nandi Awards. Beyond acting, he is also a producer and television presenter, further solidifying his influence in the industry.

7. Chiranjeevi

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹40 crore to ₹70 crore

Chiranjeevi, known as the “Mega Star,” is one of the most influential and highest-paid actors in South Indian cinema, charging ₹40 crore to ₹70 crore per film with a net worth of ₹1650 crore. With a career spanning decades, he holds the record for the most “Industry Hits” in Telugu cinema and is widely regarded as one of the finest dancers in Indian cinema.

His accolades include the Padma Bhushan (2006), Padma Vibhushan (2024), and IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award (2022), along with three Nandi Awards and nine Filmfare Awards South. CNN-IBN recognized him as one of “the men who changed the face of Indian cinema,” and in 2024, he earned a Guinness World Record as the most prolific actor-dancer in Indian cinema.

8. Vijay Deverakonda

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹27 crore to ₹45 crore

Vijay Deverakonda, commanding a fee of ₹27 crore to ₹45 crore per film, is one of the top earners in Telugu cinema. Featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2018.

He has won a Filmfare Award, a Nandi Award, and three SIIMA Awards. Known for his charismatic screen presence, he has also ventured into film production, further solidifying his influence in the industry.

9. Nandamuri Balakrishna

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹30 crore

Nandamuri Balakrishna, popularly known as Balayya or NBK, charges ₹30 crore per film. A veteran in Telugu cinema, he has also been a politician, serving as an MLA since 2014.

Son of legendary actor N. T. Rama Rao, he began his acting career as a child artist and has since won three Nandi Awards, three SIIMA Awards, and an IIFA Award. In 2025, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to cinema and society. Beyond films, he is the Chairman of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, further showcasing his commitment to public service.

10. Ravi Teja

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹25 crore to ₹30 crore

Ravi Teja, known as the “Mass Maharaja,” charges ₹25 crore to ₹30 crore per film. Renowned for his high-energy performances in action comedies, he is one of the highest-paid actors in Telugu cinema.

He has won three Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award South, and has been featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list multiple times. With his unique style and mass appeal, he continues to be a dominant force in the industry.

List of Highest Paid Telugu Actors

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