In the dynamic world of Tamil cinema, the narrative around gender-based pay disparity is undergoing a significant transformation. Today, leading actresses are not only securing roles that showcase their immense talent but are also earning compensation that reflects their commercial value and box office draw. Icons such as Nayanthara, Samantha, and other rising stars have been instrumental in reshaping industry standards, challenging outdated norms, and asserting their rightful place among the highest earners in Kollywood.
Their consistent success, audience appeal, and ability to headline major projects have redefined what it means to be a female star in South Indian cinema. As the industry evolves, these trailblazing women are leading the charge toward a more balanced and merit-driven pay structure.
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Nayanthara
Widely regarded as the reigning queen of Tamil cinema, Nayanthara commands an impressive fee of approximately ₹10 crore per project. Known for her versatility and commanding screen presence, she consistently proves her ability to carry a film entirely on her shoulders. Notably, she was paid ₹10 crore for her roles in Iraivan and Jawan, both of which featured standout performances that reinforced her star power and bankability.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu
A celebrated actress with a dynamic range, Samantha Ruth Prabhu has earned critical acclaim for portraying both bold and endearing characters. In 2023, she commanded around ₹4.5 crore for her role in Kushi, further solidifying her position among the top earners in the Tamil film industry.
Tamannaah Bhatia
Tamannaah Bhatia remains a major force in South Indian cinema, especially known for her glamorous roles. Her sizzling performance in the chart-topping item number Kaavaalaa from Jailer earned her a reported ₹5–7 crore, showcasing not just her screen appeal but her continued drawing power.
Trisha Krishnan
A stalwart of Tamil cinema, Trisha Krishnan has enjoyed a stellar career spanning over two decades. With acclaimed roles in films like Ponniyin Selvan and Leo, she continues to command a fee of around ₹5 crore per project, maintaining her relevance and popularity across generations.
Keerthy Suresh
Keerthy Suresh has carved a niche for herself with her naturalistic performances and strong screen presence. Known for films such as Maamannan and Dasara, she currently commands a remuneration of ₹3–5 crore per project, reflecting her growing stature in the industry.
Rakul Preet Singh
Energetic and vivacious, Rakul Preet Singh brings charm and versatility to her roles. She reportedly charges around ₹3.5 crore per film, with notable appearances in projects like Chhatriwali, Ayalaan, and Indian 2 adding to her mainstream appeal.
Kajal Aggarwal
A long-standing favorite among Tamil audiences, Kajal Aggarwal is admired for seamlessly transitioning between romantic and action-packed roles. Her recent projects, including Ghosty and Karungaapiyam, see her commanding a fee of ₹3–4 crore, underlining her enduring demand.
Priyanka Arul Mohan
Priyanka Mohan has quickly emerged as a promising talent since her debut in 2018. Her market value has seen a substantial rise, with her current remuneration reaching ₹1 crore per film—double her previous fee of ₹50 lakh, reflecting her rising profile in Kollywood.
Aishwarya Rajesh
Renowned for her compelling and critically acclaimed performances, Aishwarya Rajesh continues to impress with roles in films such as The Great Indian Kitchen, Run Baby Run, and Soppana Sundari. She typically commands between ₹30 lakh to ₹70 lakh per project, depending on the scale and genre.
Priya Bhavani Shankar
Priya Bhavani Shankar has seen a rapid rise in popularity, driven by her impactful roles in films like Pathu Thala, Agilan, and Rudhran. Her asking price has increased significantly to around ₹70 lakh per project, a notable jump from her earlier ₹30 lakh fee, reflecting her growing stature in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest-paid Tamil actress in 2025?
Nayanthara currently holds the top spot as the highest-paid Tamil actress in 2025, commanding approximately ₹10 crore per project.
How much does Samantha Ruth Prabhu earn per film?
Samantha Ruth Prabhu charges around ₹4.5 crore per film, depending on the role and production scale.
Which actress received the highest fee for a song performance?
Tamannaah Bhatia reportedly earned between ₹5–7 crore for her performance in the Kaavaalaa item song from Jailer, one of the highest fees for a dance number.
Are senior actresses still in demand in Tamil cinema?
Yes, seasoned actresses like Trisha Krishnan and Kajal Aggarwal continue to be in high demand, both critically and commercially, commanding ₹3–5 crore per project.
Which upcoming actresses are seeing a rise in their market value?
Actresses such as Priyanka Arul Mohan, Keerthy Suresh, and Priya Bhavani Shankar have witnessed significant increases in their remuneration, reflecting their growing popularity and success.
Do actresses earn more for pan-Indian or bilingual projects?
Yes, pan-Indian or bilingual projects often come with higher budgets, allowing top actresses to negotiate higher fees depending on their market appeal across regions.
Conclusion
The Tamil film industry is witnessing a powerful shift, where talent and star value are being recognized and rewarded more equitably than ever before. From seasoned icons like Nayanthara and Trisha Krishnan to rising stars such as Keerthy Suresh and Priyanka Arul Mohan, Tamil actresses are not only redefining on-screen narratives but also setting new benchmarks in remuneration. Their growing pay scales reflect not just individual success but also the evolving dynamics of an industry that increasingly values performance, popularity, and presence equally—regardless of gender.