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Top 10 leading actors in Tamil cinema

🥇 1. Thalapathy Vijay

  • Salary: ₹130–275 Cr per film (most sources point between ₹130–250 Cr) (pinkvilla.com, neplych.com)

  • Projects: Big-budget films like The Greatest of All Time and Thalapathy 69 in progress (en.wikipedia.org)

  • Fanbase: Pan-India superstar with massive fandom; recently entered politics—arguably the most bankable Tamil actor today.

🥈 2. Rajinikanth

  • Salary: ₹125–270 Cr, with recent reports of ₹280 Cr for Coolie (Aug 2025) (pinkvilla.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

  • Projects: Several high-profile releases scheduled, including Coolie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

  • Fanbase: Iconic national and global reach; consistently ranks among wealthiest actors in India (reddit.com, neplych.com).

🥉 3. Ajith Kumar

  • Salary: ₹105–165 Cr per film (pinkvilla.com)

  • Projects: Frequently in action entertainers; confirmed for forthcoming big-budget ventures.

  • Fanbase: Massive cult following—known for combining mass appeal with style.

4. Kamal Haasan

  • Salary: ₹100–150 Cr per film (pinkvilla.com)

  • Projects: Starring in Indian 3; continues to direct and produce, maintaining creative relevance.

  • Fanbase: Decades-spanning influence; rich legacy blends critical acclaim with commercial appeal (neplych.com).

5. Suriya

  • Salary: ₹45–60 Cr per film

  • Projects: Projects lined up post Jai Bhim and Soorarai Pottru success; remains a charter in South Indian cinema.

  • Fanbase: Strong social impact; first Tamil actor invited to join the Oscars academy (en.wikipedia.org).

6. Dhanush

  • Salary: ₹35–50 Cr per film

  • Projects: Active in Tamil, Telugu, and international cinema; balancing a high rate of releases.

  • Fanbase: Critically acclaimed actor; four National Awards and consistent presence in Forbes India Celebrity 100 (en.wikipedia.org).

7. Sivakarthikeyan

  • Salary: ₹30–40 Cr per film

  • Projects: Major releases like Don, Maaveeran, and upcoming collaboration with AR Murugadoss.

  • Fanbase: Family-friendly mass entertainer; holds two ₹100 Cr grossers (Doctor / Don) and viral teaser hits (en.wikipedia.org).

8. Vikram

  • Salary: ₹25–35 Cr per film

  • Projects: Upcoming films include Thangalaan and Dhruva Natchathiram.

  • Fanbase: Critically revered for versatility; earned strong box-office pull across genres (moviecrow.com).

9. Karthi

  • Salary: ₹20–28 Cr per film (moviecrow.com)

  • Projects: Sequels Sardar 2 and Kaithi 2, plus new ventures like Mei Azhagan.

  • Fanbase: High credibility, particularly after ensemble hits like Ponniyin Selvan.

🔟 10. Silambarasan TR (Simbu/STR)

  • Salary: ₹25–50 Cr, though producers currently pay around ₹25 Cr (moviecrow.com)

  • Projects: Key roles in Thug Life (Mani Ratnam), upcoming STR 48.

  • Fanbase: Cult following; noted for bold creative choices, musical hits, and resurgence in mass-appeal roles.

📊 Comparative Overview

Rank Actor Salary (₹Cr) Projects & Reach
1 Vijay 130–275 GOAT, Thalapathy 69, political entry
2 Rajinikanth 125–280 Coolie & grand cinematic comeback
3 Ajith Kumar 105–165 High-octane mass entertainers
4 Kamal Haasan 100–150 Indian 3 & auteur-driven projects
5 Suriya 45–60 Socially resonant timely actors
6 Dhanush 35–50 Pan-Indian & award-winning roles
7 Sivakarthikeyan 30–40 Family hits; mass entertainer
8 Vikram 25–35 Versatile character-driven performances
9 Karthi 20–28 Franchise expansions & strong appeal
10 Silambarasan TR (STR) 25–50 (realized ~25) Cult blockbuster anticipation

💡 Insights

🎯 Conclusion

At the top, Vijay and Rajinikanth dominate with record-breaking pay and cultural significance. Ajith and Kamal Haasan follow as seasoned superstars, while Suriya’s critical acclaim and Dhanush’s cross-industry presence reinforce their rank. Rounding out the list are robust mid-tier actors like Sivakarthikeyan, Vikram, and Karthi, followed by cult phenomenon STR.

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