Legendary Indian actor Rajinikanth has achieved another milestone in his illustrious career by becoming the highest-paid actor at the age of 72, surpassing Bollywood giants like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Prabhas.

The Tamil cinema superstar has once again proven that age is just a number. Despite facing a difficult phase in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rajinikanth made a triumphant comeback in his 50s with blockbuster hits like Chandramukhi and Enthiran (Robot).

The real turning point came in the late 2010s, when his films began dominating the Tamil box office and even outshining major Bollywood releases. This resurgence solidified his place among the most bankable and highest-paid actors in the Indian film industry.

Massive Success of Jailer Pushed Him to the Top

In 2023, Rajinikanth starred in the action thriller Jailer, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, which became a massive commercial success, grossing over INR600 crore worldwide. For the film, Rajinikanth reportedly received an upfront fee of INR110 crore, which included rights-related earnings.

Following the film’s record-breaking success, producer Kalanithi Maran awarded Rajinikanth a bonus cheque of INR100 crore, bringing his total earnings from Jailer to an astounding INR210 crore.

This staggering payday officially placed him ahead of top-earning actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Prabhas—who typically earn between INR150 to INR200 crore per film.

Even Bigger Earnings Expected from Upcoming Film Coolie

Rajinikanth’s stardom continues to shine. He is now set to star in Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, from which he is expected to earn INR270 crore, depending on the film’s profits. If realized, this would further cement his legacy as a true cinema titan. Competition from South Stars

Despite Rajinikanth’s phenomenal success, he now faces stiff competition from fellow South Indian stars. Recent reports suggest that Thalapathy Vijay earned INR275 crore for his latest project, while Allu Arjun is said to be commanding a record-breaking INR300 crore for Pushpa 2. A Living Legend

Regardless of rankings, Rajinikanth’s ability to command such staggering fees at 72 is not just a personal triumph—it’s an inspiration for the entire film industry. His journey stands as a testament that true stardom transcends age, and his legacy continues to grow with every passing year.