Top 10 Highest Paid Kannada actors in 2023 | Top 10 Kannada actors

1. Yash

No need to introduce this dude. With the KGF franchise, The Rocking Star became a PAN-India sensation and is currently the Kannada hero with the highest asking price. After his market in Kannada and other languages grew significantly, Yash is now charging between 50 and 100 Crore for each movie. Although Yash is yet to commit to any films, there is talk that he may collaborate with a notable Telugu director on his upcoming project. Yash’s portrayal of Rocky in “KGF” showcased his versatility as an actor, and his intense performance was highly appreciated. With the film’s sequel “KGF: Chapter 2” on the horizon, expectations are soaring. Yash’s market value has skyrocketed, and he now commands one of the highest remunerations in the Kannada film industry. Apart from his acting career, Yash is also actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. With his extraordinary talent and remarkable journey, Yash continues to be a beloved and influential figure in the world of cinema.

2. Darshan Thogudeepa

Fans of Darshan refer to the actor as D-Boss in honour. The Kranti actor earns between Rs 22 crore and Rs 26 crore every film, making him one of Sandalwood’s highest-paid actors. He is also one of the richest actors in the business and works in distribution and film production. Following the commercial success of Kranti, Tharun Kishore Sudhir will helm his next film, Kaatera. Darshan’s ability to connect with audiences through his versatile portrayals has earned him a loyal fan base. His dedication to his craft and commitment to delivering engaging performances have garnered him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Karnataka State Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. Beyond acting, Darshan is actively involved in philanthropy and has contributed to various social causes. With his charismatic persona and impactful acting, Darshan Thogudeepa continues to entertain and inspire audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the Kannada film industry.

3. Kiccha Sudeep

Abhinaya Chakravarthi Kiccha Sudeep, known as the Badshah of Kannada cinema, is ranked third among the highest-paid Kannada actors. Sudeep, who recently worked on Vikrant Rona and Kabzaa, has signed on to direct new films for 2023. He is said to charge between 20 and 25 crores per film.Sudeep has also ventured into directing and producing films. He has portrayed a wide range of characters, effortlessly transitioning between intense and dramatic roles to charismatic and comedic ones. Sudeep’s popularity extends beyond the Kannada film industry, with successful forays into other languages like Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. With his immense talent and immense contribution to the industry, Kiccha Sudeep has cemented his place as one of the leading actors in the Indian film industry.

4. Upendra

Upendra, who is also known as Real Star in the Kannada cinema business, is a prominent actor, director, producer, and screenwriter among Kannada fans. He is paid between Rs. 10 crore and Rs. 15 crore for each film. Upendra began his career as a screenwriter and made his acting debut with the film “A” in 1998, which he also directed and wrote. The film became a massive success and established Upendra as a prominent actor in the industry. Known for his unique storytelling style and unconventional approach, he has directed and acted in several critically acclaimed films, including “Upendra,” “Super,” and “OM.” Upendra’s films often explore socio-political themes and challenge traditional norms, making him a distinctive figure in the industry. Apart from his film career, Upendra has also been involved in politics and has founded his own political party. With his artistic vision and versatility, Upendra has left a lasting impact on Kannada cinema and continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers and actors. Upendra will next be seen in the film UI after recently making an appearance in Kabzaa.

5. Rishab Shetty

Rishab Shetty, born on July 24, 1983, is a talented actor, director, and screenwriter in the Kannada film industry. Hailing from Karnataka, India, he began his career as a software professional before venturing into the world of cinema. Rishab made his acting debut with the film “Tughlaq” in 2014, where his performance was highly praised. However, he gained widespread recognition and acclaim with his directorial debut, “Ricky,” in 2016. The film showcased his unique storytelling style and garnered critical appreciation. Rishab has since directed and acted in several successful films, including “Kirik Party,” “Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai,” and “Bell Bottom”. The movie Kantara, which went on to become the biggest blockbuster in Kannada last year, was a huge hit for both the actor and the director. For the film Kantara, Rishab Shetty almost made 10 crores or more. After his most recent movie, Rishabh increased his fee and is now demanding between Rs 10-15 Crore. Kantara 2 and Kirik Part 2 are his future motion pictures.

6. Rakshit Shetty

Rakshit Shetty, born on June 6, 1983, is a talented actor, director, and producer in the Kannada film industry. Hailing from Karnataka, India, he gained prominence with his debut film “Simple Agi Ondh Love Story” in 2013, where he also served as the writer. The film was a commercial success and earned him critical acclaim for his performance and storytelling. Rakshit’s breakthrough came with the film “Ulidavaru Kandanthe” in 2014, which he directed, wrote, and starred in. The film became a cult hit and established him as a promising filmmaker and actor. In the Kannada film business, Rakshit Shetty has success as an actor and producer, earning between Rs 5 and Rs 10 crores every movie. He has appeared in many other films in the industry and is well recognised for his roles in the movie Kirik Party and Ulidavaru Kandanthe. His upcoming flicks, Richard Anthony, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, and Kirik Party 2 are much anticipated.

7. Shiva Rajkumar

Shiva Rajkumar, born on July 12, 1962, is a legendary actor in the Kannada film industry. Hailing from a renowned film family in Karnataka, India, he is the son of the legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar. Shiva Rajkumar made his acting debut with the film “Anand” in 1986 and has since established himself as one of the most respected and versatile actors in the industry. Known for his intense and powerful performances, he has starred in numerous successful films, including “Om,” “Muthina Haara,” “Jogi,” and “Kavacha.” Shiva Rajkumar’s ability to effortlessly portray a wide range of characters, from action-packed roles to emotional dramas, has earned him a dedicated fan base. Shivanna has a significant fan base among Kannada moviegoers and earns Rs 6 crore each movie. He has been in more than 120 films over the course of a career spanning more than three decades, and he has plans to do a few more. He just had a cameo appearance in Kabzaa and will take the lead in Kabzaa 2.

8. Sri Murali

Sri Murali, born as Murali Ramaswamy on December 17, 1980, is a talented actor in the Kannada film industry. Hailing from Karnataka, India, he comes from a family with a strong film background, as his father, S. A. Chinne Gowda, was a renowned producer. Sri Murali made his acting debut with the film “Chandra Chakori” in 2003, which garnered him critical acclaim and recognition. However, it was his breakthrough performance in the film “Ugramm” in 2014 that catapulted him to fame and established him as a leading actor. Known for his intense and captivating screen presence, Sri Murali has starred in successful films like “Mufti,” “Kanti,” “Rathaavara,” and “Madha Mathu Manasi.” His ability to portray a wide range of characters, from action-packed roles to emotional dramas, has earned him a loyal fan base. Prashanth Neel, the director of KGF, is best known for producing and directing Ugramm with Sri Murali. The gangster drama movie was a smash hit, and it significantly changed the actor’s career. The actor is reportedly paid between Rs. 4-6 each movie and has signed on for the huge 2023 releases Bagheera and Nande.

9. Ganesh

Ganesh, born as Ganesh Kumar on July 2, 1978, is a popular actor in the Kannada film industry. Hailing from Karnataka, India, he made his acting debut with the film “Chellata” in 2006. Since then, Ganesh has garnered immense popularity and a dedicated fan following. The Golden Star is highly renowned for his roles in films like Gaalipata, Mungaru Male, and Cheluvina Chiththara. His most recent blockbuster was the 2022 film Gaalipata 2. The Story of Rayagada, Baanadariyalli, which will be released in 2023, is now being filmed by Ganesh. According to reports, the actor charges between 3-6 crore every film. Apart from acting, he is also a talented playback singer and has lent his voice to several hit songs in his films. With his down-to-earth nature and dedication to his craft, Ganesh continues to entertain and delight audiences, solidifying his position as one of the leading actors in the Kannada film industry.

10. Dhruva Sarja

Dhruva Sarja, born on October 6, 1988, is a talented actor in the Kannada film industry. He comes from a prominent film family in Karnataka, India, as he is the nephew of actor Arjun Sarja and the younger brother of actor Chiranjeevi Sarja. Dhruva made his acting debut with the film “Addhuri” in 2012, which was a commercial success and garnered him widespread recognition. With the recent film Pogaru, action king Dhruva Sarja scored a success. The PAN-Indian films Martin and KD: The Devil, both of which will be released in 2023, are now being filmed by the 34-year-old. The actor receives between $3 and $5 crore every film. His dedication and commitment to his craft have been acknowledged with several awards, including Filmfare Awards and SIIMA Awards. Beyond acting, Dhruva is actively involved in philanthropic activities and has supported various charitable causes. With his charming personality and immense talent, Dhruva Sarja continues to entertain and captivate audiences in the Kannada film industry, carving a niche for himself as a versatile actor.