Vijay has surpassed Shahrukh Khan to become India’s Highest Paid Actor
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar widely known as Vijay is one of the biggest superstars of the country. He is perhaps the most followed actor in the South Film Industry. Many of his last films have been commercially successful and are the highest-grossing films in the Tamil Film Industry. He is one of the highest-paid actors in the South with a huge fan following. He is devoted by his fans in Tamil Nadu state. But, sadly soon he is going to quit the film industry.
Vijay becomes the highest-paid actor in India
According to the reports, for his upcoming and his last film, Vijay is charging a massive 275 crore (INR) for his role. The actor has achieved the milestone of becoming India’s highest-paid actor by beating Shahrukh Khan. Shahrukh Khan took home a fee of 200-220 crore for his 2023 blockbuster film Jawan.
The untitled film is presently termed as Thalapathy 69 and it is actor Vijay’s final film. The film will be produced by the eminent Kannada film production house KVN Productions. KVN Productions has reportedly agreed to pay Vijay a massive 275 crore rupees for his last film. The film will be directed by H Vinoth. According to the rumors, makers are considering Bobby Deol to play the negative lead in the film.
The buzz about the film has been high since its announcement last night. It is one of the most anticipated films as it is Vijay’s last film and the makers are sure that fans will arrive in big numbers at the theatre to give a final farewell to their bellowed actor.
Vijay is set to join politics
Vijay is keenly referred to as Thalapathy (commander) in Tamil Nadu. He has significant influence in the state. Earlier this year Vijay announced his retirement from films to focus on his political career. Vijay had one film release in 2024 which he shot in 2023. The actor confirmed that he will do one more film and a final before his retirement.
In February 2024, Vijay announced his retirement from films to begin his political career. He launched his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Vijay is set to officially begin his political journey in 2026. He will wrap up his final film in mid-2025 and the film will release on 20 October 2025.
Fans of Vijay and the Tamil Nadu people have expressed their disappointment with Vijay’s decision to retire from film. They respect Vijay’s decision to join politics but also want him to continue his film career. Many actors in India have continued their film careers even after joining politics. But Vijay wants to focus largely on his political journey for the benefit of the people. However, his exit from the film industry is a big setback for Tamil Film Industry and filmmakers.
The last few films of Vijay
Vijay was recently seen in a film titled GOAT (The Greatest of All Time). The film is presently running successfully in the theatres and will be released on digital platforms in a month. The film is directed by Venkat Prabhu and stars Vijay, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal Ameer, Mohan, Jayaram, Vaibhav, and Yogi Babu among others. The film generally received mixed to positive reviews. The film has earned over 350 crores globally and will earn over 500 crores in its lifetime run. Vijay has been paid 220-230 crores as his acting fees for the film The Greatest of All Time.
In 2023, Vijay was paid a whopping 180-200 crore as his acting fees for the film Leo. Leo is an action thriller film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film starred an ensemble cast of Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, Trisha, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and George Maryan among others. Leo generally received mixed reviews from critics with criticism for its writing and screenplay. However, the audience and fans of Vijay enjoyed the movie as it earned over 600 crores globally becoming a major commercial success.
For his 2022 film Beast, Vijay was paid less than his usual acting fees as the film didn’t perform as per expectations and is one of the least liked films of Vijay. Beast generally received mixed to negative reviews. The film was commercially successful but not a major hit like the past films of Vijay. For the movie Beast, Vijay was paid 100 crores. The film starred Vijay in the male lead with Pooja Hegde in the female lead. Vijay was paid a whopping 150-160 crores for his acting fees in the 2023 family drama film Varisu.
Besides Vijay, Shahrukh Khan, Prabhas, Salman Khan, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Mahesh Babu, and Rajinikanth are some of the highest-paid actors in India. With a fee of 275 crore, Vijay is one of the highest-paid actors in the world.
Prabhas who was last seen in the film Kalki 2898 AD was paid anywhere near 200-250 crores for his acting. Whereas Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, and Mahesh Babu are paid nearly 100-120 crores as their acting fees.
Salman Khan nearly charges 150 crores for his acting fees. But he can take a larger amount if he is co-producing the film. Shahrukh Khan was paid a whopping 200-220 crores for his last film Jawan. He was paid significantly higher because he produced the film and also his VFX company handled the VFX work of the film.