Rashmika Mandanna, Nayanthara, Sai Pallavi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu: A look at some of the highest paid South Indian actresses

There was a time when female actors were largely confined to songs and romantic subplots, but that phase is long gone. Today, with the rise of pan-India cinema and OTT platforms, actresses in the South industry command massive fan bases and impressive paychecks, often matching the star power of their male counterparts. According to News18, here is the list of South industry’s highest-paid actresses.

Trisha Krishnan has sustained her position as a leading force in South cinema for over two decades. Even today, she remains a preferred choice for big-ticket films and renowned directors. Reports suggest she charges between Rs 10-12 crore per film. For ‘Vishwambhara’, where she stars alongside Chiranjeevi, she reportedly earned close to Rs 12 crore.

Rashmika Mandanna has successfully bridged South cinema and Bollywood, becoming a household name across the country. Following the success of ‘Animal’, her popularity skyrocketed. She is said to have earned around Rs 10 crore for ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, Rs 4 crore for ‘Chhaava’, and approximately Rs 13 crore for ‘Sikandar’, making her one of the most in-demand stars today.

Nayanthara continues to dominate the industry with her strong screen presence and carefully chosen roles. Known for headlining content-driven films, she reportedly earned about Rs 10 crore for her Bollywood debut ‘Jawan’ opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Beyond films, her brand value remains strong, with her wedding documentary reportedly fetching around Rs 25 crore.

Sai Pallavi carved a niche for herself with her breakout role as Malar in ‘Premam’. Known for prioritising performance over glamour, she has built a loyal fan base. While she usually charges around Rs 5 crore per film, reports indicate she may earn between Rs 18–20 crore for ‘Ramayana’, marking one of the highest paydays of her career.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu enjoys immense popularity across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi audiences. Her role in ‘The Family Man Season 2’ further expanded her reach nationwide. She reportedly charged Rs 10 crore for ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ and earned around Rs 5 crore for the hit song ‘Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava’ from ‘Pushpa: The Rise’.
DISCLAIMER: Figures presented in this article are derived from various public sources and are considered approximate unless explicitly noted. We may include direct input from celebrities or their teams when available. We are open to feedback on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.