Top 10 Highest Paid Kannada Actors in 2025; Their Payment Details Will Surprise You!
Last updated on April 21st, 2025 at 09:18 pm
The Kannada film industry is gaining momentum among audiences rapidly. The Kannada film industry produces more than 100 films a year. Films like Thithi, Rangitaranga, and U-Turn are accepted by the audience. Sandalwood stars are taking good pay for each film.
Read More: Top 10 Highest Paid Actress In Kannada; Who Earns The Most?
Top 10 highest paid Kannada actors 2025
1). Yash – ₹60 Cr to ₹100 Cr per film:
Rocking Star Yash is believed to be the highest-paid actor in the Kannada cinema industry. His real name is Naveen Kumar Gowda. He charges Rs 30cr to 85cr per movie. He shot to Nationwide popularity with the 2018 film, KGF Chapter 1.
His remuneration entirely depends on the type of movie he is doing. Yash also has the highest number of followers on Instagram. He is currently the richest and no.1 actor in Kannada cinema. His film, KGF Chapter 2, recently got released.
- Instagram Followers: 15M+
- Upcoming Projects: Toxic, Ramayana
2). Darshan Thoogudeepa – ₹20 Cr to ₹25 Cr per film:
Darshan is one of the most paid actors in the Kannada cinema industry. He charges Rs 15cr to 20cr per movie. He is also one of the richest actors in the Kannada film industry. He is the producer and distributor as well.
- Recent Releases: Kaatera (2023), Devil (2024)
- Also Known As: “Challenging Star”
3). Sudeep (Kichcha Sudeep) – ₹10 Cr to ₹25 Cr per film
Sudeep is a popular actor, screenwriter, playback singer, director and producer who works primarily in Kannada cinema. He charges Rs 12cr to 16cr per movie. He also acts in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. He also enjoys a good number of followers on his Instagram account.
- Notable Works: Eega, Pailwaan, Vikrant Rona
- Other Ventures: Bigg Boss Kannada Host
4). Rishab Shetty – ₹10 Cr to ₹15 Cr per film
Rakshit Shetty is a successful actor and producer in the Kannada film industry. He charges around Rs 4cr to 5cr per movie. He is known for his work in Kirik Party and Ricky. 777 Charlie is his upcoming movie. He has done various films in this industry.
- Upcoming Projects: Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025)
- Also Known For: Direction, screenwriting
5). Upendra – ₹10 Cr to ₹15 Cr per film
Upendra is a successful actor, director, producer and screenwriter. He is very popular among the Kannada audience. He charges Rs 5cr to 6cr per movie. He is known as Real Star Upendra in the Kannada film industry. He is one of the most paid actors and directors in the Sandalwood industry.
- Political Role: Leader of Prajakeeya Party
- Legacy: Known for experimental and philosophical cinema
6). Puneeth Rajkumar – ₹15 Cr (Posthumous Honor)
Though Appu sir left us in 2021, his influence still lingers. Some of his unreleased works, documentaries, and tribute projects are still monetized, with rights fetching crores.
- Legacy Projects: Gandhada Gudi (2022)
- Beloved For: Acting, singing, humanitarian work
7). Shiva Rajkumar – ₹8 Cr per film
Shiva Rajkumar has a massive fan following among the Kannada audience. He charges Rs 6cr per movie. In a career spanning over three decades, he has worked in over 120 films.
- Upcoming Roles: Guest appearance in Kantara: Chapter 1
8). Rakshit Shetty – ₹5 Cr to ₹10 Cr per film
Rakshit Shetty is a successful actor and producer in the Kannada film industry. He charges around Rs 4cr to 5cr per movie. He is known for his work in Kirik Party and Ricky. 777 Charlie is his upcoming movie. He has done various films in this industry.
- Upcoming Projects: Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025)
- Also Known For: Direction, screenwriting
9). Sriimurali – ₹7 Cr per film
Sriimurali gained massive popularity with Ugramm. Although selective with scripts, he is considered a bankable star for action-packed roles.
- Upcoming Film: Bagheera
- Nickname: “Roaring Star”
10). Dhruva Sarja – ₹10 Cr per film
Known for his physical transformation and mass appeal, Dhruva is a rising star in the action genre.
- Relation: Nephew of late actor Chiranjeevi Sarja
- Recent Buzz: Signed a Pan-India action film in 2025
These are the highest-paid actors in the Kannada film industry and their payment details. Who is your favourite actor?
