Top 10 Highest Paid Telugu Actresses in 2025: Nayanthara to Rashmika Mandanna

The Telugu film industry, known for its vibrant storytelling and captivating performances, has seen a significant shift in recent years with its leading actresses commanding impressive salaries. At the forefront of this change is Nayanthara, often referred to as the “Lady Superstar,” who has established herself as the highest-paid Telugu actress.

Other notable figures include Anushka Shetty, known for her powerful performances in films like “Baahubali,” Pooja Hegde, Trisha Krishnan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sai Pallavi, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu have not only carved out successful careers but have also become symbols of financial empowerment and influence in the entertainment industry.

The rise of these actresses not only reflects their talent and dedication but also highlights the evolving dynamics of pay parity in the film industry. Their success stories underscore the growing recognition of women’s roles in cinema, both on-screen and off-screen.

1. Nayanthara

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹7 crore to ₹10 crore

Nayanthara, one of the highest-paid actresses in Indian cinema, earns between ₹7 crore to ₹10 crore per film. With a career spanning over two decades, she has starred in more than 75 films across multiple languages.

She was the only South Indian actress featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list in 2018. A recipient of numerous accolades, including five Filmfare Awards South, a Nandi Award, and seven SIIMA Awards, she continues to be a dominant force in the industry.

2. Sai Pallavi

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to 15 crore

Sai Pallavi, earning between ₹3 crore to ₹15 crore per film, is one of the highest-paid actresses in Telugu cinema. She gained fame with her debut in Premam (2015) and made a strong impact in Telugu cinema with Fidaa (2017), winning a Filmfare Award.

Known for her natural performances, she has received six Filmfare Awards South and two SIIMA Awards. In 2020, Forbes recognized her in its 30 Under 30 list, highlighting her influence in the industry.

3. Rashmika Mandanna

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹4 crore to ₹10 crore

Rashmika Mandanna, earning between ₹4 crore to ₹10 crore per film, is one of the highest-paid actresses in South Indian cinema. She made her debut with Kirik Party (2016) and gained wider recognition with Pushpa: The Rise (2021).

Her biggest hits include Animal (2023) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024). A recipient of four SIIMA Awards and a Filmfare Award South, she was also featured in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 list in 2024. Beyond films, she is a popular brand ambassador.

4. Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore

Samantha Ruth Prabhu made her Telugu debut with Ye Maaya Chesave (2010), winning a Filmfare Award for Best Debut. She became the second actress to win Filmfare Awards for Best Actress in both Tamil and Telugu in the same year for Neethaane En Ponvasantham and Eega (2012).

With a career spanning over a decade, she has won multiple awards, including four Filmfare Awards South and two Nandi Awards, cementing her legacy in the industry. She earns between ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore per film and is one of the highest paid Telugu actresses.

5. Anushka Shetty

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore

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.

6. Pooja Hegde

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹4 crore to ₹7 crore

Pooja Hegde earns between ₹4 crore to ₹7 crore per film. She made her acting debut with the Tamil film Mugamoodi (2012) and gained recognition in Telugu cinema with Oka Laila Kosam (2014).

Despite a setback with her Bollywood debut in Mohenjo Daro (2016), she established herself as a leading actress in Telugu and Hindi films. A former beauty pageant contestant, she was the second runner-up at Miss Universe India 2010 and has won four SIIMA Awards.

7. Tamannaah Bhatia

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹4 crore to ₹5 crore

Tamannaah Bhatia is one of the highest-paid actresses in Telugu and Tamil cinema, earning between ₹4 crore to ₹5 crore per film. With a career spanning over 85 films, she has established herself as a leading star in South Indian cinema.

Her accolades include two Santosham Film Awards, two SIIMA Awards, and the prestigious Kalaimamani Award. Known for her versatility, she continues to be a prominent figure in the industry.

8. Mrunal Thakur

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹3 crore to ₹5 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.

9. Keerthy Suresh

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore

Keerthy Suresh, one of the highest-paid Telugu actresses, earns between ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore per film. She started as a child actress before making her lead debut in Geethaanjali (2013), winning the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Malayalam.

Known for her versatility, she has received numerous accolades, including a National Film Award, five SIIMA Awards, and two Filmfare Awards South. In 2021, she was featured in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 list, further cementing her influence in the industry.

10. Rakul Preet Singh

Remuneration Per Movie: ₹2 crore to ₹3.5 crore

Rakul Preet Singh, one of the highest-paid Telugu actresses, earns between ₹2 crore to ₹3.5 crore per film. She made her acting debut with the Kannada film Gilli (2009) before venturing into Telugu and Tamil cinema with Keratam (2011) and Venkatadri Express (2013).

Over the years, she has delivered several successful films across industries, including Sarrainodu (2016) and Dhruva (2016). She later transitioned into Bollywood with Yaariyan (2014) and gained recognition with De De Pyaar De (2019). A recipient of a SIIMA Award, she has also been featured in Times’ 50 Most Desirable Women list multiple times.

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