Tamil Actor Salary - 2013 Report

A leading Tamil weekly (Vikatan) published the salary of all the leading Tamil heroes in their latest issue. The numbers are mostly consistent with our data points (shown in brackets below). Read below for a few corrections & amplifications provided with some background details to support the findings  that were not explicitly covered by the Tamil Weekly report. 

1. Rajinikanth (Rs. 40 Crores+)

Rajinkanth's salary has moved north of 40 Crores after Enthiran's success. The weekly claims AGS as the next producer while Eros has confirmed that they have Rajini's dates in their latest annual financial report. The actual amount will be determined only after the release of Kochadaiyaan.

2. Kamal Haasan (Rs. 25 Crores)

Kamal made a huge comeback in regaining his long standing second position that he has occupied for many decades. Before Vishwaroopam's success, Kamal's asking price was 25 Crores which received a lot of resistance following the faiure of Manmadhan Ambu. After Vishwaroopam, the market price for Kamal is now base-lined at 25 Crores with producers happily willing to offer that amount.

3. Suriya (Rs. 20 Crores)

Suriya's salary has been fluctuating between 20 and 25 Crores primarily based on his level of success in Telugu market. In Tamil Nadu, Suriya's market value has always been lower than Vijay and Ajith.

4. Vijay (Rs. 18 Crores)

After Vijay's bold decision to sacrifice his salary in order to work with leading directors and technicians for Nanban, Thuppakki, and Thalaivaa, Vijay is now finally in the vicinity of 18 Crores for his upcoming movie, Jilla.

This is precisely the general reason why big heroes prefer to work with new directors and second rung technicians since it gives them an opportunity to demand the higher end of the potential market value.

5. Ajith (Rs. 18 Crores)

Ajith had signed for 18 Crores for both Vishnuvardhan and Siruthai Siva's movies. But, when Ajith tried to team up with AR Murugadoss, Thala was getting pressure to reduce the salary since their combined remuneration was roughly 31 Crores. The producers were requesting to shave off 3 Crores on their combined salary to make the project viable. This much expected combination did not take off (for now) since both did not yield to reducing their individual salaries.

6. Karthi (Rs. 13 Crores)

Karthi has been working only in his home production ventures (Studio Green and Dream Warriors) from Naan Mahaan Alla days until Biriyani. Hence, it is difficult for people in the trade to gauge Karthi's true market value. Whatever the home production house writes in their book as Karthi's salary is what one is led to believe. However, it is undeniable that Karthi has a significant market in Telugu which gives him a nice boost to his overall market value. 

7. Vikram (Rs. 12 Crores)

Vikram has been commanding 12 Crores across Tamil and Telugu for many years now. Due to thawing of Vikram's star power as witnessed in the opening of his recent releases, Chiyaan has been getting a lot of downward pressure on his salary. Vikram is betting big on Shankar's I to stage a comeback.

8 and 9. Dhanush and Simbhu (Rs. 7 Crores)

When it comes to salary, Dhanush and Simbhu have been tied to their hips since their initial days. Even though they are always in the news, both these multi-talented stars are still looking for a hit to move into the next orbit.

10. Arya (Rs. 5 Crores)

Arya is reportedly paid Rs. 5 Crores for Vishnuvardhan and Ajith starrer, pipping in ahead of his close friends, peers and competitors (Jiiva, Jayam Ravi and Vishal). 

Leading Actors below Rs. 5 Crores

Jiiva, Jayam Ravi and Vishal are hovering around 5 Crores. Jiiva was signed for 6 Crores for Yaan and Endrendrum Punnagai. After Neethane En Ponvasantham box office outcome, the producers of Yaan (same as NEP) had to make some corrections to the production budgets which resulting in eating into the actor's salary. After a long break, Jayam Ravi put in a lot of hardwork for Aadhibhagavan. But, Jayam Ravi will have to wait until Boologham to move his salary needle higher.

Vishal has been working mostly for his home production(GK Films) and hence the real market value is difficult to find out -- similar to Karthi. The salary of 8 Crores quoted by GK Films is substantially higher than what the market is willing to pay for this hero who was once considered to be an emerging threat for Vijay.

Read last year's report - 2012 Tamil Actor Salary