When one thinks of Asia’s highest-paid actors, names like Jackie Chan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Prabhas often come to mind. However, the legendary Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is now the highest-paid actor in Asia.
Asia’s Highest-Paid Actor
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth now holds the record as Asia’s highest-paid actor, with a staggering fee of Rs 280 crore for his upcoming movie, Coolie – a highly anticipated action film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. This amount includes both his fees and a profit-sharing arrangement, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
Previously, Aamir Khan held the title of Asia’s highest-paid actor with a Rs 275 crore paycheck for Dangal in 2016. Jackie Chan surpassed this figure in 2017 with a reported fee of $60 million (approximately Rs 400 crore). However, neither Khan nor Chan has reached these heights again, allowing Rajinikanth to claim the top spot.
Coolie, Rajinikanth’s 171st film
Coolie, Rajinikanth’s 171st film as the lead actor, is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and is set to be released in 2025. The action drama is rumored to be part of Lokesh’s cinematic universe, which includes popular films like Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo. The film also features Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Nagarjuna in a cameo role.
Rajinikanth began his career in the film industry as a villain before establishing himself as a top action star in the 1980s and 1990s. After a brief period of lesser success in the 2000s, he rejuvenated his career with blockbuster hits like Chandramukhi and Enthiran. His remarkable comeback in the latter part of his career has solidified his status as a larger-than-life action icon.
His previous films, including Jailer, which earned Rs 600 crore worldwide, allowed him to surpass the earnings of Bollywood’s top stars, who typically earn between Rs 150-250 crore per film.
Rajinikanth’s recent success with Jailer saw him earning Rs 250 crore, further establishing his dominance in the industry. With his latest film Coolie, Rajinikanth’s earnings have reached new heights, showcasing his enduring appeal and exceptional market value.
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