The Telugu film industry, known for its grand productions and massive fandoms, has always been home to some of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema. These stars command enormous salaries, with paychecks reaching staggering amounts per film, reflecting both their immense popularity and the box office pull they bring. In 2024, the Telugu industry’s biggest names, including Allu Arjun, Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, and more, continue to lead with record-breaking earnings. Here’s a look at the top nine highest-paid Telugu actors of the year and the astounding fees they charge per movie.
Top 9 Highest Paid Telugu Actors of 2024
1. Allu Arjun: The ‘Pushpa’ Star Cashing in Big
Allu Arjun, the stylish icon of Tollywood, tops the list with his exceptional earning power. Known for his versatile roles and blockbuster hits like Pushpa, Arjun reportedly charges between Rs 100 crores to Rs 125 crores per film in 2024.
His appeal transcends regional boundaries, and he commands a massive fan base, which has only expanded with his back-to-back hits. This hefty paycheck places him among the highest-earning actors in Indian cinema.
2. Prabhas: The Baahubali of the Big Bucks
After the Baahubali phenomenon, Prabhas has continued to enjoy unprecedented success, making him one of the most bankable stars in the industry.
With a fee range of Rs 100 crores to Rs 200 crores per film, Prabhas attracts audiences with his unique film choices and colossal presence on screen. His ventures into pan-Indian cinema have further solidified his standing as a top-earning Telugu star.
3. Jr NTR: Powerhouse of Talent and Earnings
Another star enjoying massive earnings in 2024 is Jr NTR, who has consistently delivered hits and captivated audiences with his performances.
Known for his intense roles and exceptional acting prowess, the Devara star charges between Rs 100 crores to Rs 200 crores per project. Jr NTR’s brand value and dynamic performances make him a top choice for big-budget productions, with producers willing to pay his steep fee.
4. Mahesh Babu: The Evergreen Prince of Tollywood
Mahesh Babu, often called the “Prince of Tollywood,” continues to dominate with his charismatic on-screen presence and selective roles. For each film, Mahesh Babu reportedly takes home Rs 80 crores to Rs 100 crores, a testament to his enduring appeal and box office consistency.
His films draw in massive audiences, and his choice of socially relevant scripts has only strengthened his popularity over the years.
5. Pawan Kalyan: The Power Star with a Massive Following
Known for his larger-than-life persona and political influence, Pawan Kalyan is another top earner in the Telugu film industry. Charging between Rs 60 crores to Rs 100 crores per film, Kalyan’s pay reflects his powerful box office presence and loyal fanbase.
His movies often carry a unique appeal, making him a bankable star with an impressive income per project.
6. Ram Charan: The Pan-Indian Star Climbing the Ladder
Ram Charan has steadily climbed the ranks, earning a reported Rs 90 crores to Rs 100 crores for his roles. After the global success of RRR, his popularity surged, making him one of the highest-paid actors in 2024.
Charan’s adaptability and strong performances have made him a sought-after talent, particularly in high-budget films that aim for pan-Indian appeal.
7. Chiranjeevi: The Veteran Superstar Still Going Strong
With a legacy spanning decades, Chiranjeevi remains an influential and highly paid actor in 2024. He earns around Rs 40 crores to Rs 70 crores per film, showcasing the demand for his presence in Telugu cinema.
His ability to draw audiences, coupled with his charisma and strong screen presence, ensures he remains a key figure among top-earning actors, even after years in the industry.
8. Vijay Deverakonda: The Rising Star with a Strong Market Value
Vijay Deverakonda, known for his fresh approach to roles, is among the younger actors making waves with his earnings. Reportedly charging Rs 27 crores to Rs 45 crores per movie, Deverakonda’s popularity has soared following hits like Arjun Reddy.
His unconventional choices and appeal among younger audiences have contributed to his impressive earning power in Tollywood.
9. Nandamuri Balakrishna: The Unwavering Icon
Known for his loyal following and unique style, Nandamuri Balakrishna completes this list with a reported fee of Rs 30 crores per film. While his fee is comparatively lower, his fan base and consistent appeal make him a valuable star in the industry. Balakrishna’s dedicated audience and distinct performances make him a popular choice among filmmakers, especially for projects that cater to his core fans.
The Telugu film industry’s highest-paid actors showcase the massive financial landscape of Tollywood in 2024. Each star on this list brings unique value to the table, with their popularity crossing regional borders and reaching fans worldwide. These actors not only draw audiences to theatres but also continue to elevate Telugu cinema with their dedication and box office success. As these stars push boundaries with each project, their record-breaking fees reflect the immense impact they have on Indian cinema today.
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