Kollywood is a regional film industry based in Kodambakkam in South India. Like its counterparts, this industry has now received universal recognition and support. Its origin can be traced back to 1918. The first success in the Kollywood industry was with the coming of Alam Ara, the first talking motion film. Since its inception, it has been able to influence the other regional production industries in and around South India. Since the late 20th century, they have appeared globally in the theatres and has become a craze for many. Till date we have various examples of the vibrant talents who found their dream coming true with Kollywood. This cinema industry has created the richest actors and will continue to create many others.
In this Article we shall be discussing about the top 10 richest kollywood actors.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Richest Kollywood Actors
10. Karthi
The winner of three south Indian Filmfare awards snd SIIMA awards made his debut in Paruthiveeran. With releases like Paiyaa, Naan Mahaan Alla and Siruthai he achieved huge commercial success. He is a well known social activists and had become the cause ambassador for promoting public awareness of lysosomal storage disease. His recent film is Sultan. He draws around 8 crores for single release making him the Tenth Richest kollywood actor.
9. Vijay Sethupathi
A commerce graduate from Rajapalayam started his carrer playing minimal roles. He worked in several Tv series and later made a major breakthrough with Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu. He was able to achieve greater success in 2013 with his three consecutive releases. Orange Mittai was his first ever commercial hit. His recent releases are Marter and Uppena. His income from a single release is around 8-10 crores.
8. Sivakarthikeyan
A stand-up comedian turned Tamil film actor made his debut with Marina. He won the Vijay award in 2013 and Claimed the title ‘Entertainer of the year’. Ethir Neechal in 2013 was his first ever commercial hit. He also works in association with Dhanush. His recent releases are Doctor and Afalaan. His net worth is estimated at around 110 crores and draws a remuneration of 10-12 crores for a release.
7. Dhanush
A well known icon of Tamil cinema is a bag full of talents. His entry in Tamil cinema was with Thulluvadho IIamai. He received international acclaim for his famous ‘why this kolaveri di’ back in 2011. His debut in Bollywood was with Raanjhanaa and Shamitabh. He has also been included in the Forbes Indian Celebrity list and is one of the favourite artist in India in trend. He draws around 15-20 crores for a single release making him the seventh richest kollywood actor.
6. Vikram
He could be everyone’s favorite because of his personality and charisma. He is also a child actor who besides being an actor has been visible in many television programs and commercials. ‘En Kandhal Kanmani’ was his debut film and the most recent being ‘Cobra’. He is the receipent of over 5 Filmfare awards. The interesting fact about him is that of being a very good voice over artist. Till date, he has done over 60 films and his highest grossing fil was Iru Mugan. He draws around 20 crores for one film and has a net worth of around 150 crores.
5. Suriya
This dashing and talented actor made his debut in ‘Nerrukka Ner’ at the age of 22 years. His major breakthrough was with his role in ‘Nandha’. He is the receipent of ITFA and Filmfare awards for his outstanding performances. Who would forget about his role in Ghajini, the third highest grossing Tamil film. He is one of the most profitable actors in kollywood. His other major film includes Singham, Ayan and Anjaan. He receives a remuneration of around 20-22 crores for a film.
4. Kamal Hasan
This versatile and universally appreciated artist started his Carrera as a child actor in his tender age of 4. He had been in the industry for over 50 years. This entire carrer brought him fame and commercial success working in Tamil, Telegu, Kannada and Hindi films. Kamal is the receipent of Padma Shri and Padma Bhusan. Besides being an actor, he is a film director, screenwriter and a producer. His recent film is Vikram. This fourth richest kollywood actor earns around 25-30 crores for a film.
3. Ajith Kumar
A racer could also be a successful amd the most loved actor. He started his carrer with Prema Pustagam at the age of 21 years. Later, he achieved a huge commercial success in ‘Aasai’. His presence as a lead actor in Ullasam, a venture film paid him his highest salary of 1 million. He has won various film awards, the first being the ‘Filmfare awards for Best Tamil Actor’. His most recent and upcoming movie is Valimai. He has a net worth of Rupees 350 crore and draws around 40-50 crores for every films making him the third richest kollywood actor.
2. Vijay Thalapathy
He is often referred as ‘Commander’ by his fans. He is certainly the second richest Kollywood actor till date. His journey from playing anti-heroic roles to an action hero has brought him several credits and recognition. Besides being an actor he is a dancer, a playback singer and a philanthropist. He started appearing in Tamil cinema as a child actor in his early 10. He endorses several brands and has also conducted campaigns for IPL. Vijay played a lead role in Naalaiya Theerpu. His name existed many a time in the Forbes Indian Celebrity list which signifies his enormous successful carrer. His annual income is estimated at 100-120 crores and draws around 45 – 50 crore for one film making him the second richest Kollywood actor.
1. Rajnikanth
The most loved, dashing and daring veteran is one of the leading stars of Kollywood. He had his successful carrer in hindi, Telegu and kannada films. He joined the Madras Film Institute and made a major breakthrough in Katha Sangama. This veteran actor has played various roles and has never failed to seize the heart of his followers. Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth has done several movies together, this adds to his successful career. He is the receipent of the most honoured Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awards. He has a net worth of Rupees 365 crores. His income from one film is estimated at Rupees 60 crores making him the richest Kollywood Actor.
you can also check our article on Top 10 richest south Indians actors.