Top 10 Highest Paid Kollywood or Tamil Actors in 2025

Explore the top 10 highest-paid Kollywood actors in 2025, from Rajinikanth to Vijay Sethupathi. Discover what makes them industry powerhouses, their career highlights, and how much they earn per film in today’s Tamil cinema landscape.

Kollywood in 2025 is thriving with big films, bigger stars, and even bigger paychecks. Tamil cinema has always been home to powerful performers and passionate fans, and today, its top actors are earning more than ever before.

In this list, you’ll find the highest-paid actors in Kollywood right now. These stars are not just known for their acting but also for the excitement and audience they bring to every film. From action-packed blockbusters to emotional dramas, they lead some of the most successful movies in the industry. Whether you're a fan or just curious about who’s making the most in Tamil cinema, this list breaks it down for you.

Highest Paid Tollywood Actors in 2025

1. Vijay

Vijay, lovingly called Thalapathy by millions, continues to be one of the most bankable stars in Tamil cinema today. With a magnetic screen presence and a flair for balancing mass entertainers with socially relevant themes, Vijay has become a generational icon. His films often set records in pre-release business, satellite rights, and opening-day collections. Each of his releases feels like a festival, with fans queuing up for early morning shows and entire cities celebrating his arrival on screen. Whether he’s playing a teacher, a vigilante, or a lover, his performances strike a chord with a wide demographic.

Off-screen, Vijay is known for his humility and mystique. He rarely gives interviews or attends promotional events, yet his fan base continues to grow. His appeal is not just limited to Tamil Nadu. He is increasingly recognised across South India and other regions of the country, making him one of the most influential actors working today. His consistent success at the box office and unmatched fan loyalty position him right at the top of the earnings chart.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹150–₹275 crore

2. Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth is a phenomenon in Indian cinema. With a career that spans over four decades, his unique style, dialogue delivery, and charisma have made him a beloved figure across generations. His influence is so widespread that his movies are anticipated not just for their storylines but for the very fact that he stars in them. His 2023 release Jailer was a box office storm, and his upcoming film Coolie is already making headlines before its release.

Despite changing times and newer stars emerging, Rajinikanth remains untouched in terms of fan devotion. His humility, grounded approach to fame, and connection with people have only strengthened his legendary status. In 2025, he continues to draw massive audiences and remains a symbol of longevity, cultural pride, and cinematic magnetism.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹260–₹280 crore

3. Ajith Kumar

Ajith Kumar, widely referred to as Thala by his fans, is known for his quiet, low-profile personality and powerful on-screen presence. His films are often high-octane action thrillers filled with emotion, drama, and meaningful subtext. Ajith’s commitment to his work, whether it’s performing his own stunts or choosing scripts that resonate with audiences, has made him a favourite among Tamil filmgoers.

What sets Ajith apart is his refusal to engage in traditional publicity and media circuits. He lets his films speak for themselves, and they consistently do. His dignified off-screen presence, along with his commanding roles on-screen, creates a rare and powerful combination that producers, directors, and audiences trust.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹125–₹165 crore

4. Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan is a towering figure in Indian cinema, known for his immense contributions across all areas of filmmaking. He is a rare talent who has excelled as an actor, director, producer, writer, and singer. Throughout his career, Kamal has been known for taking creative risks and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. His 2022 film Vikram was a massive success and served as a reminder of his unshakeable position in the industry.

Kamal continues to choose ambitious projects that blend high-concept storytelling with crowd appeal. His intellectual presence and artistic integrity ensure that every role he takes on is more than just a performance. It becomes a statement. In 2025, he remains an inspiration to artists across generations.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹100+ crore

5. Suriya

Suriya has carved out a unique place in Tamil cinema with his mix of commercial success and socially driven storytelling. Known for his emotional intensity and dedication to each role, Suriya has starred in films that have made a lasting impact, such as Soorarai Pottru and Jai Bhim. These films not only performed well at the box office but also garnered critical acclaim on national and international platforms.

Apart from acting, Suriya is a producer with a clear focus on content. His production house 2D Entertainment has supported several meaningful films. He is also widely admired for his philanthropic work, particularly in education and healthcare. His popularity across age groups, along with his principled off-screen persona, makes him one of the most respected names in the industry.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹60–₹70 crore

6. Sivakarthikeyan

Sivakarthikeyan is one of Kollywood’s most relatable and beloved stars. His rise from television to the silver screen has been built on authenticity, humour, and an ability to connect with the audience. He has consistently delivered hit films that blend family-friendly humor with meaningful messages. His boy-next-door appeal makes him a favorite among younger audiences and families alike.

In recent years, Sivakarthikeyan has taken more creative risks, exploring action and drama with increasing confidence. He has also started producing his own films, further showcasing his understanding of the industry. His grounded image, paired with his ever-growing fan base, positions him as one of the most valuable names in Tamil cinema today.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹40–₹55 crore

7. Dhanush

Dhanush is a powerhouse performer known for his unconventional choices and raw, emotionally resonant acting. He has made a mark in not just Tamil cinema but also Bollywood and Hollywood, with acclaimed performances across languages. From playing intense character roles to leading commercial entertainers, Dhanush has built a diverse and fearless filmography.

He is also a successful producer, director, and lyricist, constantly experimenting and expanding his creative footprint. Dhanush’s ability to bridge the gap between mainstream and independent cinema has made him a dynamic and respected force in Indian filmmaking.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹20–₹50 crore

8. Vikram

Vikram, known for his chameleon-like transformations, is one of the most dedicated and intense actors in the Tamil film industry. He is celebrated for his willingness to undergo extreme physical and emotional transformations to embody the characters he plays. Films like Anniyan, I, and Raavanan stand as testaments to his commitment to performance over stardom.

Though he is selective with his roles, Vikram’s films are treated as high-stakes projects. His name is associated with quality and seriousness, and both fans and filmmakers admire him for choosing substance over repetition. He remains one of the most respected artists in the industry today.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹40–₹60 crore

9. Jayam Ravi

Jayam Ravi has quietly but confidently built a strong position in Kollywood. Known for choosing meaningful scripts and delivering dependable performances, he has been part of both crowd-pleasing entertainers and thought-provoking dramas. His work in Thani Oruvan earned him widespread recognition, and his recent performance in Ponniyin Selvan introduced him to an even wider audience.

Jayam Ravi has a calm and steady screen presence that appeals to a broad section of viewers. He is often cast in roles that blend action with emotional depth, making him a valuable choice for filmmakers looking to tell balanced, engaging stories.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹30–₹45 crore

10. Vijay Sethupathi

Vijay Sethupathi is widely regarded as one of the most gifted and fearless actors in contemporary Tamil cinema. His rise from small-budget films to national acclaim has been driven entirely by talent and bold choices. He is known for playing complex, layered characters with ease, and his performances consistently surprise audiences.

Sethupathi has also made his presence felt in other Indian film industries, including Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. Whether he is playing a villain, a hero, or something in between, he brings a unique sensibility to the screen. His increasing demand across languages speaks volumes about his versatility and skill.

Approx Charges Per Film / Remuneration: ₹25–₹40 crore