Only a few actresses in Indian cinema command eight-figure remunerations. Most top actresses, including Rashmika Mandanna, earn under Rs 10 crore. Only a select few like Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra reportedly charge between Rs 15 to Rs 20 crore. No South Indian actress has so far crossed the Rs 10 crore mark
Given this context, the makers of Anil Ravipudi and Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film were reportedly shocked when Nayanthara quoted a staggering Rs 18 crore to play the female lead.
Nayanthara demanding Rs 18 crore seems not only excessive but also commercially unjustifiable. She currently lacks the kind of pan-Indian craze needed to command such a price. In fact, her popularity in Tamil Nadu itself has waned in recent years. Her inclusion in a Chiranjeevi film doesn’t significantly boost its market value.
Producer Sahu Garapati of Shine Screens reportedly declined her demand, stating it made no business sense.
Additionally, Nayanthara and Chiranjeevi’s pairing is not a fresh one. They’ve already appeared together as a couple in Sye Raa and as siblings in Godfather. So, there’s no novelty factor here that justifies such a high fee.
1. SSMB 29 – Priyanka Chopra – Rs 30 Cr
2. Kalki 2898 AD – Deepika Padukone – Rs 20 Cr
3. RRR – Alia Bhatt – Rs 12 Cr
The film, tentatively titled #ChiruAnil, is currently in pre-production and will begin filming soon. It is slated for a Sankranthi 2026 release.
Director Anil Ravipudi is riding high on the massive success of Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, and his collaboration with Megastar Chiranjeevi has already generated significant buzz. Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela are producing the film under the banners of Shine Screens and Gold Box Entertainments. Bheems Ceciroleo is composing the music.
Nayanthara is also part of Yash’s “Toxic”, where Kiara Advani is said to be the main heroine. She is also starring in “Mookuthi Amman 2,” a Tamil film directed by Sundar C.