Highest Paid Malayalam Actors 2025: Meet the Top 10 Biggest Earners in Mollywood
The Malayalam film industry—popularly known as Mollywood—is celebrated for its exceptional storytelling, powerful performances, and groundbreaking cinema. Over the last decade, Malayalam films have achieved national and international recognition, leading to a significant rise in actors’ remuneration.
In 2025, several Malayalam actors command massive salaries thanks to their loyal fan base, pan-India appeal, OTT success, and blockbuster track records. Here is the updated list of the Top 10 Highest Paid Malayalam Actors in 2025.
Top 10 Highest Paid Malayalam Actors 2025 – Salary Comparison
| Rank | Actor Name | Approx. Salary per Film (₹ Crore) | OTT Project Fee (₹ Crore) | Brand Endorsements (₹ Crore/Year) | Industry Presence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohanlal | ₹15–25 Cr | ₹20–30 Cr | ₹8–12 Cr | Malayalam, Tamil |
| 2 | Mammootty | ₹12–22 Cr | ₹18–26 Cr | ₹6–10 Cr | Malayalam, Telugu |
| 3 | Prithviraj Sukumaran | ₹8–15 Cr | ₹12–18 Cr | ₹4–7 Cr | Malayalam, Pan-India |
| 4 | Dulquer Salmaan | ₹6–12 Cr | ₹10–15 Cr | ₹5–8 Cr | Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil |
| 5 | Fahadh Faasil | ₹6–10 Cr | ₹10–16 Cr | ₹3–6 Cr | Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu |
| 6 | Tovino Thomas | ₹4–8 Cr | ₹6–10 Cr | ₹2–4 Cr | Malayalam |
| 7 | Asif Ali | ₹2–5 Cr | ₹4–7 Cr | ₹1–2 Cr | Malayalam |
| 8 | Kunchacko Boban | ₹3–6 Cr | ₹5–8 Cr | ₹1–2 Cr | Malayalam |
| 9 | Soubin Shahir | ₹2–4 Cr | ₹3–5 Cr | ₹1–2 Cr | Malayalam |
| 10 | Jayasurya | ₹2–4 Cr | ₹3–6 Cr | ₹1–2 Cr | Malayalam |
Top 10 Malayalam Actors by Salary in 2025: Updated Earnings & Rankings
1. Mohanlal
Estimated Earnings: ₹6–8 crore per film
Malayalam Indian actor and director Mohanlal Viswanathan, better known by his stage name Mohanlal, mostly works in Malayalam cinema, though he has also made sporadic appearances in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada productions. Over the course of his successful career, which has lasted more than 40 years, Mohanlal has appeared in more than 400 movies. The “Complete Actor” continues his legacy as Mollywood’s top-paid superstar. With decades of iconic roles and national awards, Mohanlal’s films guarantee strong box office openings. His versatility, charisma, and massive fan following across South India keep him at the top.
Why He Leads:
- Evergreen superstar
- Strong pan-India market
- Consistent hits & OTT dominance
2. Mammootty
Estimated Earnings: ₹5–7 crore per film
Mammootty remains one of the most respected names in Indian cinema. Even at this stage of his career, he continues to deliver commercially strong and critically acclaimed films. His scripts, experimental roles, and stylish onscreen presence attract both youth and family audiences. Actor and film producer Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, better known by his stage name Mammootty, is mostly involved in Malayalam-language productions.
Why He Stands Out:
- Multiple National Awards
- Strong digital & theatrical presence
- Huge fanbase across the globe
3. Prithviraj Sukumaran
Estimated Earnings: ₹4–6 crore per film
Actor, director, and producer—Prithviraj is a true multi-talent. With films like Aadujeevitham, Lucifer, and his contributions as a filmmaker, he commands premium remuneration. Indian actor, producer, director, and playback singer Prithviraj Sukumaran mostly appears in Malayalam movies. Prithviraj is one of the most paid Malayalam actors, having starred in more than 100 movies.
Why He Stands Out:
- Successful director & actor
- Large pan-India popularity
- Choice of high-quality scripts
4. Dulquer Salmaan
Estimated Earnings: ₹3–5 crore per film
In addition to a few Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, Dulquer Salmaan is an Indian actor and producer who works in Malayalam films. Dulquer has built a strong presence in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. His pan-India fan base and consistent box office performance make him one of the youngest high-earning stars.
Why He’s in Demand:
- Strong multi-language appeal
- Youth icon with stylish roles
- Hit films & OTT releases
5. Fahadh Faasil
Estimated Earnings: ₹3–4.5 crore per film
Hameed Abdul Indian actor and producer Mohammed Fahad Fazil, better known by his stage name Fahadh Faasil, mostly works in Tamil and Malayalam movies. Fahadh is regarded as one of the best performers in Indian film because of his varied roles. Known for his intense performances, Fahadh Faasil is a favorite among critics and audiences. With hits like Joji, Kumbalangi Nights, and major roles in pan-Indian films, his value continues to rise.
Why He Stands Out:
- Exceptional acting range
- Big presence in OTT cinema
- Marketable across India
6. Tovino Thomas
Estimated Earnings: ₹2.5–4 crore per film
Actor and producer Tovino Thomas is from India, and he primarily produces Malayalam movies. In 2012, he debuted in the movie Prabhuvinte Makkal. The movies ABCD, 7th Day, and Ennu Ninte Moideen were his breakout performances. In the Netflix superhero movie Minnal Murali, he played the title role. Tovino’s massive success with films like Minnal Murali pushed him into the big league. He is one of the most bankable young actors in Mollywood today.
Why He’s Rising:
- Superhero success with global reach
- Youth favorite
- Strong OTT viewership
7. Jayasurya
Estimated Earnings: ₹2–3 crore per film
Jayasurya is known for his versatility—from comedy to intense drama. His dedication to transforming for each role earns him both critical acclaim and high remuneration.
Why He’s Valuable:
- Versatile actor
- Consistent critical success
- Solid family audience pull
8. Kunchacko Boban
Estimated Earnings: ₹2–3 crore per film
Actor and producer Kunchacko Boban is from India and works in the Malayalam film industry. He goes as Chackochan, and because of his amorous look, he was dubbed “chocolate boy” in the early 2000s. Over the course of more than 20 years, he has appeared in over 100 films. He belongs to the Kunchacko family. Often called the chocolate hero, Kunchacko Boban has reinvented himself with mature roles and successful commercial films, making him one of the top-paid actors.
Why He’s Popular:
- Strong comeback
- Balanced choice of commercial & experimental roles
- Youth and family appeal
9. Asif Ali
Estimated Earnings: ₹1.5–2.5 crore per film
Asif Ali’s rise has been steady, driven by strong performances and unique film choices. Producers value him for his consistent acting and dedicated fanbase.
Why Producers Trust Him:
- Reliable performer
- Appealing in content-driven films
- Growing market value
10. Nivin Pauly
Estimated Earnings: ₹1.5–2.5 crore per film
Nivin Pauly became a sensation with films like Premam. While his recent box office performance fluctuates, his popularity remains strong, securing his place in the top 10.
Why He’s Still in the List:
- Massive youth fan following
- Strong presence in romantic and feel-good films
- High commercial value
Highest-Paid Malayalam Actors in 2025
| Rank | Actor | Estimated Earnings Per Film |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohanlal | ₹6–8 crore |
| 2 | Mammootty | ₹5–7 crore |
| 3 | Prithviraj Sukumaran | ₹4–6 crore |
| 4 | Dulquer Salmaan | ₹3–5 crore |
| 5 | Fahadh Faasil | ₹3–4.5 crore |
| 6 | Tovino Thomas | ₹2.5–4 crore |
| 7 | Jayasurya | ₹2–3 crore |
| 8 | Kunchacko Boban | ₹2–3 crore |
| 9 | Asif Ali | ₹1.5–2.5 crore |
| 10 | Nivin Pauly | ₹1.5–2.5 crore |
Conclusion
The Malayalam film industry continues to shine on the national and international stage. With OTT expansion, pan-India releases, and experimental filmmaking, the demand for Malayalam actors has grown significantly. Veterans like Mohanlal and Mammootty still dominate, while young stars like Dulquer, Tovino, and Fahadh are carrying the industry into a global era.
These highest-paid actors are not just superstars—they’re storytellers shaping the future of Mollywood in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs: Highest Paid Malayalam Actors in 2025
1. Who is the highest paid Malayalam actor in 2025?
Mohanlal is the highest paid Malayalam actor in 2025, earning an estimated ₹6–8 crore per film, thanks to his unmatched stardom, long-standing career, and pan-India fan base.
2. How much does Mammootty charge per movie?
Mammootty charges around ₹5–7 crore per film in 2025. His strong script choices, global fan following, and consistent box office impact keep his demand high.
3. Which young Malayalam actor earns the highest salary?
Among the younger generation, Dulquer Salmaan leads with a remuneration of ₹3–5 crore per film, closely followed by Fahadh Faasil and Tovino Thomas.
4. Are Malayalam actors earning more after OTT expansion?
Yes. OTT platforms have significantly boosted the popularity of Malayalam cinema. As a result, actors like Fahadh Faasil, Tovino Thomas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran have seen a major rise in earnings due to global viewership.
5. Who is the most versatile Malayalam actor in 2025?
Fahadh Faasil is widely considered the most versatile Malayalam actor, known for his ability to pull off complex, intense, and realistic characters across genres.
6. Why do Malayalam actors charge less compared to Bollywood stars?
Mollywood focuses more on story-driven, content-rich films with moderate budgets. While Malayalam actors command high respect nationally, the industry itself operates with smaller financial scales compared to Bollywood or Tollywood.
7. Is Dulquer Salmaan a pan-India star?
Yes. Dulquer acts in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films and has a pan-India fan base. His cross-industry presence contributes to his high pay grade.
8. Which Malayalam actor has the strongest global presence?
Both Mohanlal and Mammootty enjoy massive overseas fanbases, especially in the Middle East. Among younger actors, Dulquer Salmaan and Fahadh Faasil are gaining fast international popularity.
9. Do Malayalam actors earn additional income from endorsements?
Yes. Many top actors earn sizable income from brand endorsements, TV ads, OTT campaigns, and production ventures, adding to their overall earnings.
10. Who are the rising high-paid Malayalam actors to watch in the future?
Actors like Asif Ali, Antony Varghese (Pepe), Shane Nigam, and Sreenath Bhasi are emerging as strong contenders and expected to climb the earnings chart in coming years.
11. How are Malayalam actors’ salaries determined?
Actor salaries depend on multiple factors, including:
Box office performance
Fan base and social media influence
Script and project scale
OTT demand
Previous film success
12. Will the ranking of highest-paid actors change in 2026?
Most likely. With Mollywood rapidly expanding into pan-India markets and digital platforms, emerging stars like Fahadh, Tovino, and Dulquer may climb higher, while new talents may enter the top list.
13. Who is the No. 1 highest-paid Malayalam actor in 2025?
As of 2025, Mohanlal continues to dominate as the highest-paid Malayalam actor with massive remuneration for big-budget films and brand endorsements.
14. Which young Malayalam actor is rising fastest in earnings?
Tovino Thomas and Prithviraj Sukumaran are among the fastest-rising stars, consistently increasing their paychecks due to blockbuster performances and pan-India projects.
15. Do Malayalam actors earn more from OTT platforms?
Yes. With the growth of platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hotstar, many actors earn significant amounts from OTT exclusives, digital rights, and web series.
16. Which Malayalam actor charges the highest for brand endorsements?
Dulquer Salmaan is currently one of the most sought-after celebrities in Kerala, commanding premium rates for top brands.
17. Why are Malayalam actors paid less compared to Bollywood actors?
Malayalam cinema traditionally works with lower budgets. However, with increasing pan-India recognition, actor fees have been rising steadily.
18. Which actors are entering big-budget pan-India movies in 2025?
Actors like Fahadh Faasil, Dulquer Salmaan, and Prithviraj are securing strong roles in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, boosting their income.
19. Who is the richest Malayalam actor overall?
In terms of net worth, Mohanlal and Mammootty top the list due to decades-long careers, investments, and brand partnerships.
20. Which Malayalam actor gives the best box-office returns?
Prithviraj Sukumaran, Fahadh Faasil, and Tovino Thomas are known for consistently delivering profitable films in recent years.
21. Which Malayalam actor has the most successful films in recent years?
Prithviraj Sukumaran has delivered multiple blockbusters as both actor and director, making him one of the most successful stars of recent years.
22. Who is the most versatile Malayalam actor?
Fahadh Faasil is widely considered the most versatile performer, known for intense, realistic, and critically acclaimed roles.
23. Which Malayalam actor is most popular among youth?
Dulquer Salmaan leads in youth popularity thanks to his stylish roles, pan-India appeal, and strong social media presence.
24. Do Malayalam actors charge differently for OTT and theatrical films?
Yes. Actors often charge higher fees for OTT originals due to direct platform deals, while theatrical films depend on budget and box-office potential.
25. Which Malayalam actor works the most in multiple industries?
Fahadh Faasil and Dulquer Salmaan frequently appear in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, making them multi-industry stars.
26. Are Malayalam actors paid based on box-office performance?
In many cases, yes. Some actors take profit-sharing or backend earnings depending on a film’s success.
27. Who is the best action star in Malayalam cinema?
Mammootty continues to excel in action roles, even in 2025, inspiring a younger generation of actors.
28. Which Malayalam actor has the highest fan following?
Mohanlal and Mammootty maintain the largest and most loyal fanbases, dominating Kerala and overseas markets.
29. Which new-gen Malayalam actor is increasing earnings quickly?
Asif Ali, Kunchacko Boban, and Soubin Shahir are gaining popularity and seeing steady growth in remuneration.
30. Who is the most bankable Malayalam actor in 2025?
Prithviraj Sukumaran is currently considered one of the most bankable stars due to his strong script selection and consistent box-office hits.
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