Tamil superstar Rajinikanth experienced a career slump in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a series of unsuccessful films. However, in his 50s, he revived his stardom with the success of Chandramukhi and Enthiran. By the late 2010s, his films began consistently performing well at the box office, re-establishing his dominance even over Bollywood’s leading names.
Record-Breaking Earnings from Jailer
In 2023, at age 72, Rajinikanth starred in Jailer, which became the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year, earning over ₹600 crore. For the film, he reportedly charged ₹110 crore and later received a ₹100 crore bonus from producer Kalanithi Maaran after its blockbuster performance. With a total of ₹210 crore earned from a single film, Rajinikanth briefly became the highest-paid actor in India, surpassing top stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Prabhas.
Charging Premium Even at 74
Despite no subsequent film matching Jailer’s success, Rajinikanth has maintained a high price tag. For his upcoming film Coolie with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, reports suggest he could earn ₹270 crore if the film turns profitable. This places him among the top-paid actors in Indian cinema history.
Competition Among Top Earners
While Rajinikanth’s earnings remain unmatched for someone his age, he has recently been overtaken by a few younger stars in unverified pay estimates. Vijay is reported to have charged ₹275 crore for his final film, and Allu Arjun has reportedly signed on for ₹300 crore for Pushpa 2.
Legacy Beyond Box Office
Even at 74, Rajinikanth’s continued relevance and high remuneration underscore his enduring popularity and market pull. His ability to command such massive earnings reflects not just star power, but decades of audience loyalty and a strong box office track record.
