Entertainment

Top 10 Highest Paid Malayalam Actors in 2022

Malayalam cinema needs no special introduction. Recently, many films from this industry have set the cash registers ringing. Be it on OTT platforms or in the theatres, Malayalam films have fan bases worldwide, including those who do not speak the language. One primary reason films work is the actors starring in these films. Initially, only names like Mammootty and Mohanlal were super popular among the non-Malayali audience. But, thanks to good storylines of Malayalam films, names like Tovino Thomas, Jayasurya, Kunchako Boban, and other actors have come under the limelight. Hashtag lists the top 10 highest-paid Malayalam actors in the industry in 2022.

Read on to find out which actor is earning crores in the Malayalam film industry. Who do you think is the highest-paid Malayalam actor? Is your guess correct? Read to find out.

Top 10 Most Highest Paid Actors in Malayalam

1. Mohanlal

Mohanlal - Highest paid actor of Mollywood

He began his career as a classic villain and has become a prominent Malayalam actor in Kerala. Mohanlal is, without a doubt, one of the best actors India has ever produced. His filmography is impressive, his comedic parts are unrivalled, and his distinct manner-of-speech delivery is effortless. Few performers can portray both severe and comedic roles with equal ease. He has been awarded the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s highest civilian distinctions. He has also received five National Film Awards, including Best Actor twice for Bharatham (1991) and Vanaprastham (1999), among a slew of other accolades.

Earnings: Rs. 8 crore – Rs. 17 crore per movie

2. Mammootty

Mammootty, also known as Mammukka, had his first job as an extra (young artist) in Anubhavangal Paalichakal while still in college. Like Mohanlal, he rose to popularity and went on to act in over 350 films. Chamayangalillathe (without makeup), an autobiography serialised in Malayala Manorama weekly, was eventually published in 1992. It chronicles his life story from his birth to the book’s publication. This three-time National Award winner has a list of super hit films to his credit such as Peranbu, Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, Aa Rathri, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Adiyozhukkukal, Aavanazhi, Mahanayam, Dhruvam, Vatsalyam, The King, and Paleri Manikyam. 3. Dulquer Salmaan Mammootty, also known as Mammukka, had his first job as an extra (young artist) in Anubhavangal Paalichakal while still in college. Like Mohanlal, he rose to popularity and went on to act in over 350 films. Chamayangalillathe (without makeup), an autobiography serialised in Malayala Manorama weekly, was eventually published in 1992. It chronicles his life story from his birth to the book’s publication. This three-time National Award winner has a list of super hit films to his credit such as Peranbu, Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, Aa Rathri, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Adiyozhukkukal, Aavanazhi, Mahanayam, Dhruvam, Vatsalyam, The King, and Paleri Manikyam.

Earnings: Rs. 4 crores to Rs. 8.5 crore per movie

3. Dulquer Salmaan

Dulquer Salmaan - Know about his Remuneration

The son of Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, aka DQ, has acted in several Malayalam and Tamil films. He made his debut in Hindi with 2018’s Karwaan, alongside Mithila Palkar. He has proved his mettle as an actor in various languages by choosing unique scripts. Bangalore Days, directed by Anjali Menon starring Dulquer Salman and Nivin Pauly, was a blockbuster hit. His latest film Kurup released on Netflix and was received well by critics.

Earnings: Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 8 crore per movie

4. Prithviraj Sukumaran

Prithviraj Sukumaran best actor in malayalam - Highest paid in malayalam film industry

Prithviraj Sukumaran (nicknamed Prithviraj) is an Indian actor, playback singer, and producer who is best known for his work in Malayalam cinema. He has also appeared in films in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. He took part in various plays, skits, debates, and elocution competitions during his school years. Director Ranjith approached him to act in Nandanam in 2002. While in his second year of engineering, Prithviraj was flooded with other attractive film offers, so he chose to take a break from his studies. Some of his most famous films include Lucifer, Koode, Ezra, City of God, Urumi, Nandanam, The Thriller, Aiyyaa, Driving License, Memories, Entu Ninte Moideen, and Puthiya Mukham.

Earnings: Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 7 crore per movie

5. Fahadh Faasil

Fahadh Faasil - highest paid actor in malayalam film industry

Fahadh made his acting debut at 19 in his father Fazil’s Kaiyethum Doorath (2002). After his debut’s failure, he relocated to the U.S, and Fahadh made his comeback after a six-year hiatus with the anthology film Kerala Cafe (2009). For his roles in Artist and North 24 Kaatham, he received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor and Second Best Actor. Chaappa Kurishu, Diamond Necklace, 22 Female Kottayam, Amen, Artist, Annayum Rasoolum, North 24 Kaatham, Bangalore Days, and Iyobinte Pusthakam are some of his significant flicks.

Earnings: Rs. 3.5 crore to Rs. 6 crore per movie

6. Nivin Pauly

Nivin Pauly best actor in malayalam industry with good remuneration

Regarded as a Malayalam film superstar, Nivin Pauly has had a good run for seven years. Rajesh Khanna, M.G. Ramachandran, Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, and Mohanlal were his childhood heroes. In 2003, while still in college, he appeared in a local album called Olive. Nivin first appeared on the big screen in Vineeth Srinivasan’s film Malarvadi Arts Club (2010). His subsequent films’ on screen performances earned him the title of the most promising young debutant. Because of his movies’ box office success, such as Neram, 1983, Om Shanthi Oshana, Bangalore Days, Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Premam, Action Hero Biju, and Jacobinte Swargarajyam, he quickly became the most sought after young superstar in the Malayalam film industry by 2015. For his roles in Bangalore Days and 1983, Nivin Pauly earned the 45th Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in 2015.

Earnings: Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 6 crore per movie

7. Suresh Gopi

Suresh Gopi versatile actor in mollywood been paid high for his movies

Suresh Gopi made his maiden film appearance as a child artist in Odayil Ninnu (1965). He became famous for playing the “angry officer” part in many action films, but he stopped because of the negative impact on young people. For The Play of God (1997), he earned the State and National Award for Best Actor and the State Award for Producer in 1999. “I am Bharathchandran IPS. Just remember that!” – A memorable dialogue written by Ranji Panicker for the film Commissioner, directed by Shahi Kailua and released in 1994, made Gopi a box office success. It cemented his reputation as a leading figure in Malayalam film. His work in The Play of God (1997), Commissioner (1994), and its sequel, Bharathchandran I.P.S (2005), was widely appreciated.

Earnings: Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 3 crore per movie

8. Dileep Gopalakrishnan

Dileep Gopalakrishnan one of the among hghest paid actor in Malayalam

Dileep, a famous Malayalam film actor known for Thilakkam (2003), Sound Thoma (2013), and Kunjikkoonan (2002), is also a producer. He has worked as a mimicry artist and an assistant director in the past. After his major break in Maanatha Kottarathil, he jumped to acting full time. With the support of his brother and right-hand man, Anoop, he founded his production firm, Grand Productions. He regularly works with filmmakers Joshiy, Lal Jose, Rafi, and Mecartin.

Earnings: Rs. 3 crore per movie

9. Tovino Thomas

Tovina Thomas one of the young talent of malayalam industry

Tovino first appeared on the big screen in Sajeevan Anthikad’s Malayalam film Prabhuvinte Makkal (2012). His subsequent cinematic performances in ABCD (2013), 7th Day (2014), Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015), and Charlie (2015) cemented his reputation as one of the most promising actors. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the film Guppy (2016), in which he played a significant part. His subsequent flicks, Oru Mexican Aparatha (2017) and Godha (2017) were box office smashes in Mollywood. His latest film on Netflix, Minnal Murali, was widely appreciated by critics and viewers alike.

Earnings: Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 3 crore

10. Kunchako Boban

Kunchacko Boban, commonly known as Chackochan, is a Malayalam film actor and producer in over 90 films. He is the grandson of Udaya Studios’ founder, famed film producer Kunchacko. With his debut film Aniyathipraavu (1997), co-starring Shalini, he was introduced into the Malayalam film industry by director Fazil. The film was the highest-grossing Malayalam film at the time. The Kerala State Film Award is a major accolade to his credit.

The Malayalam film industry is increasing its standards every day by bringing out films that strike a chord with the audience. Stars such as Tovino Thomas, Dulquer Salmaan, and Nivin Pauly have etched a place in the audience’s hearts with every film they are a part of. We are excited to watch what Malayalam cinema has to offer in 2022.

Earnings: Rs. 1.5 crore per movie

February 14, 2022

highest paid celebrities, highest paid malayalam actors, malayalam actors, Malayalam film industry, south indian film industry, top paid actors in Malayalam cinema

Turning Pages, Building Communities: Nidhi Gupta on the Evolving World of Reading

In a time when attention spans are shrinking and digital content dominates, the enduring power of books continues to find new ways to resonate. At the helm of Crossword Bookstores, Nidhi Gupta has spent over 15 years shaping not just a retail brand, but a thriving reading culture. In this conversation, she reflects on her personal relationship with books, the shifting habits of modern readers, and why bookstores today are as much about community as they are about commerce. You’ve spent over 15 years shaping Crossword’s journey. What role have books played in your own life, and which titles or authors have deeply influenced you personally and professionally? I’ve always shared a deep connection with books. They hold many roles in our lives, serving as companions, guiding us as teachers, and opening windows to perspectives we might never otherwise experience. Growing up, reading helped shape my curiosity and empathy, and over the years, it’s become integral to how I think and make decisions. I’ve been deeply influenced by authors who combine storytelling with insight, whether it’s literary fiction that explores human complexity or business writing that sharpens perspective. Professionally, books have taught me the importance of staying adaptable and constantly learning, which is essential in an ever-evolving industry like ours. In an age of short-form digital content and shrinking attention spans, how do you see the culture of reading evolving, especially among younger audiences in India? While it’s true that attention spans are being challenged, I don’t believe the desire to read has diminished. Younger audiences today are discovering stories in new ways, whether through curated recommendations, social media, or genre-driven communities. What’s encouraging is that when the right book reaches the right reader, the engagement is still deeply immersive. We’re also seeing a shift toward more accessible formats, relatable

Entertainment

Movies to Watch This Summer May 2026

From high-fashion drama to gritty psychological thrillers and action-driven regional cinema, this summer’s big-screen lineup offers something for every kind of moviegoer. Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic sequel, an intense character study, or a gripping continuation of a beloved franchise, these upcoming releases promise compelling stories, standout performances, and plenty of cinematic spectacle. The Devil Wears Prada 2 Language: English Drama, Comedy The Devil Wears Prada 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the iconic 2006 fashion drama, set to release on May 1, 2026. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film revisits the high-stakes world of fashion journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The original star-studded cast returns, including Meryl Streep as the formidable Miranda Priestly, Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel. New additions like Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh bring fresh dynamics to the story. The sequel follows Andy’s return to Runway magazine as Miranda struggles to keep the publication relevant. With Emily now leading a luxury brand holding the key to Runway’s future, the film promises drama, power shifts, and a stylish look at modern media. BandarLanguage: HindiPsychological thriller Bandar is a crime thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap, known for his raw, unfiltered storytelling. The film follows Samar, an ageing television star whose life spirals after a scandal lands him in prison, forcing him to confront both external brutality and internal demons.Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, the film has already generated buzz for its dark, character-driven narrative and intense performances, particularly Bobby Deol’s transformative role. Sanya Malhotra is expected to bring emotional depth, adding another layer to the story. True to Kashyap’s style, the film explores themes of power, downfall, and survival within a harsh, claustrophobic

Entertainment

Between Film Sets and Mountain Escapes: Kayadu Lohar’s Journey

Long before the Tamil film Dragon became a cultural moment, Kayadu Lohar was quietly building her career across industries. A winner of the Everyuth Fresh Face, Kayadu stepped into cinema in her teens and gradually explored Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil industries with projects like Mugilpete, Pathonpatham Noottandu, Alluri, and Funky. But it was Dragon, opposite Pradeep Ranganathan, that turned her into a viral sensation, bringing widespread recognition and positioning her as one of the emerging pan-South talents to watch. In a candid conversation with Priyanka Goud, Kayadu opens up about sudden fame, navigating multiple film industries, and finding peace away from the spotlight through travel. Acting Was Always the Plan For Kayadu, acting wasn’t a coincidence; it was always the goal. “I always knew I wanted to be an actor,” she says. Winning the Fresh Face title during college became the first big push. “It gave me visibility, auditions, and belief. At just 18, I found myself travelling across cities for auditions, sometimes attending three to four in a single day. As a newcomer, you don’t always get full narrations. Many times, you say yes based on the production house or the hero attached.” Navigating Languages and Cultures Born into a North Indian family, speaking Nepali at home, fluent in Hindi and Marathi, and raised in Pune, entering South Indian cinema came with its own challenges. “South Indian languages aren’t my first language, so understanding the rhythm and culture initially took time,” she says. But over the years, she developed her own process. For Kayadu, learning a language goes beyond memorising lines. “If I’m doing a Malayalam film, I’ll only listen to Malayalam songs during that phase. Music helps me understand the emotion and culture behind the language.” The Dragon Effect Her performance as Pallavi in Dragon proved to

Entertainment

Rajakumari: The Artist Bridging Classical Heritage and Rap

Svetha Yallapragada Rao, professionally known as Rajakumari, is based in Mumbai. She holds a BA in Religious Studies and comes from a family of doctors, where education and discipline were deeply valued. However, it was Indian classical dance that shaped her most profoundly. She began training at a very young age, immersing herself in tradition, mythology, and devotion. Reflecting on those formative years, she says, “Classical dance didn’t just teach me technique, it taught me reverence, storytelling, and the sacred power of the stage.” The discipline of classical arts instilled in her both artistic rigour and spiritual grounding, foundations that continue to define her creative expression. Art with Cultural Responsibility Rajakumari chose her stage name intentionally. “I chose the identity of ‘Rajakumari’ as a vision, almost like embodying the energy of a goddess,” she explains. Having grown up inspired by Devi through classical dance, the divine feminine became central to her artistic identity. While growing up in America, she noticed the absence of Indian artists in mainstream spaces. “I wanted to become the artist I needed when I was younger, someone unapologetically Indian, modern, powerful, and visible.” Breaking into the American record label system in 2016 came with significant challenges. There were battles, resistance, and moments that demanded persistence. Yet, witnessing the cultural shift today validates that journey. “When I meet fans who proudly wear their bindis or celebrate their culture boldly, I understand the weight of the journey. We are all connected, and cultural pride is powerful.” THE RAJAKUMARI CODE Rajakumari believes authenticity is her defining strength. “Trends shift, genres evolve, and paths change, but I have always remained true to my vision and message.” She emphasises manifestation and cultural pride as pillars of her philosophy. “You don’t have to abandon any part of yourself to succeed.” Her work