The Kannada film industry is encountering a new wave in the last few years. The filmmakers are not shunning away from trying new subjects in the films as they have discovered that the audiences are ready to accept new concepts. Thanks to the pan-India success of movies such as KGF: Chapter 2, Kantara, Vikran Rona, and 777 Charlie, the Sandalwood industry got huge appreciation from moviegoers around the world. There is no doubt, high -profile celebrities in Sandalwood are getting good pay for each film.
Here we have listed the highest-paid actors who work in the Kannada film industry.
10. Dhruva Sarja
The action prince Dhruva Sarja delivered a hit with the Pogaru movie in recent times. The 34-year-old is currently shooting for Martin and KD: The Devil, both PAN-Indian movies which will release in 2023. The actor is charging around 3-5 Crore per movie.
9. Ganesh
The Golden Star is well known for his films like Mungaru Male, Cheluvina Chiththara, Gaalipata, and many more. His latest hit was in 2022 with Gaalipata 2 movie. Ganesh currently shooting for The Story of Rayagada, Baanadariyalli which is set to release in 2023. The actor is reportedly charging around 3-6 crore per movie.
8. Sri Murali
KGF helmer Prashanth Neel is well known for directing his first film Ugramm with Sri Murali. The film was a sensational hit and this gangster drama movie gave the actor a big turn in his career. The actor has now signed 2 big movies Bagheera and Nande in 2023 and is said to be charging around Rs 4-6 per movie.
7. Shiva Rajkumar
Shivanna enjoys a powerful fan base among Kannada viewers and takes home a fee of Rs 6 crore per film. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has appeared in over 120 movies and is planning to do a few more films. He recently appeared in a cameo role for Kabzaa and will be playing the lead role in Kabzaa 2.
6. Rakshit Shetty
Rakshit Shetty is a successful actor and producer in the Kannada film industry, earning approximately Rs 5 crore to 10 crores per film. He is well-known for his performances in Kirik Party and Ulidavaru Kandanthe and has performed in various other films in the industry. His next movies, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Richard Anthony and Kirik Party 2 are highly anticipated films.
5. Rishab Shetty
The actor and director scored a massive hit with the Kantara movie which went on to become the biggest blockbuster In Kannada last year. Rishab Shetty almost received 10 plus crores for the Kantara movie. Rishabh spiked his remuneration after his last film and is now charging around Rs 10-15 Crore. His upcoming films are Kantara 2 and Kirik Part 2.
4. Upendra
Also known as Real Star in the Kannada film industry, Upendra is a successful actor, director, producer, and screenwriter who enjoys significant popularity among Kannada audiences. He commands a fee of Rs 10 crore to 15 crores per film. Recently appeared in Kabzaa, Upendra will next appear in UI the movie.
3. Kiccha Sudeep
The Badshah of Kannada Cinema, Abhinaya Chakravarthi Kiccha Sudeep is in 3rd place in the list of highest-paid Kannada actors. Sudeep who did Vikrant Rona and Kabzaa recently, has signed new movies for 2023 and is reportedly charging around 20-25 crores per movie.
2. Darshan Thogudeepa
Darshan fans honor the actor by calling him D-Boss. The Kranti actor is among the highest-paid actors in Sandalwood, receiving between Rs 22 crore to 26 crore per film. He is also one of the wealthiest actors in the industry and is involved in film production and distribution. After the success of Kranti, his upcoming film will be Kaatera directed by Tharun Kishore Sudhir.
1. Yash
This man needs no introduction. The Rocking Star became a PAN-India sensation with the KGF franchise, and he is now charging the highest remuneration compared to other Kannada heroes. Yash is charging around 50-100 Crore per movie after his market in Kannada and other languages rose massively. Yash has not signed any movies yet but there is a buzz that the actor is all set to work with a big Telugu director in his next.
