Top 10 Tollywood Actors: Ranking the Best in Telugu Cinema
Tollywood is the biggest film industry in South India as it is shared by two states where Telugu is the primary language. Telugu movies have a large audience and are therefore more popular. In this regard, we will discover the top Tollywood actors of 2024. This will be based on various factors such as remuneration, box office stamina, movie hype, stardom, acting skills, and a Pan Indian fan base.- Mahesh Babu is celebrated as a Top Tier actor, renowned for his charm and striking looks. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has made a significant impact in the industry with blockbuster hits like Pokiri and Businessman. He boasts a massive fan following, especially among female fans who like his cool personality.
- Pawan Kalyan: the younger brother of Chiranjeevi, is a force to reckon with in Tollywood. His magnetic personality and strong convictions, both on and off-screen, have earned him the title of the king of Tollywood. Movies like Gabbar Singh and Attarintiki Daredi have solidified his position as a fan favorite, with a dedicated following that hangs on to his every word and action.
- Allu Arjun: fondly known as the "Stylish Star & Icon star," has carved a niche for himself as one of the most profitable actors in Tollywood. His appeal transcends regional boundaries, earning him recognition as a Real Pan Indian Actor. With his impeccable dancing skills and charismatic screen presence, Allu Arjun has won the hearts of audiences not just in South India but across the country. He is the only Telugu actor who received a national award for Pushpa.
- Prabhas: known for his tall stature and rugged charm, has won the hearts of audiences not only in Tollywood but also beyond. His standout performance in the Baahubali series has made him a symbol of elegance and strength in the industry. Despite his immense popularity, Prabhas stays humble and keeps impressing fans with his diverse acting skills.
- Jr. NTR: known as Tarak, is celebrated for his versatility and magnetic screen presence. His powerful performances in movies like Janatha Garage and Temper have earned him a loyal fan base who affectionately refer to him as the "Man of Masses." Jr. NTR's ability to seamlessly transition between roles and genres makes him one of the most respected actors in Tollywood.
- Ram Charan: is the son of Chiranjeevi, which makes him a star in his own right. shines with his great acting and awesome dance moves. He's carried on his dad's legacy with hits like Rangasthalam and Magadheera. His recent win in RRR confirms he's a top-notch actor loved by many.
- Nani: known as the Natural actor in Tollywood, is celebrated for his natural acting style in Telugu cinema. His exceptional talent and demeanor have secured him the second position in the industry. Therefore, Nani holds the esteemed title of the second-best actor in Tollywood.
- Vijay Deverakonda: the second most followed actor from Tollywood on Instagram, gained widespread recognition for his role in the famous movie "Arjun Reddy." His portrayal in the film has earned him a massive fan base, particularly among female audiences, solidifying his status as a heartthrob in the industry.
- Chiranjeevi: the megastar of Tollywood, is loved by audiences for his unforgettable performances and magnetic presence. With a career spanning decades, he's given us many blockbuster hits, earning him fans of all ages.
- Balakrishna: known as Balayya, is a powerhouse in Tollywood. With his captivating screen presence and versatile acting, he has won the hearts of audiences. Balayya's dedication to his craft and his memorable performances have solidified his status as an iconic figure in the Telugu film industry.
Tollywood Heroes Remuneration list
Telugu actors are the highest-paid actors in South India because of their films' substantial box office potential, which significantly contributes to their remuneration.
| Actor | Remuneration (per movie) |
|---|---|
| Prabhas | 100cr to 200cr |
| Allu Arjun | 100cr to 125cr |
| N.T. Rama Rao Jr. | 100cr |
| Ram Charan | 90cr to 100cr |
| Mahesh Babu | 80cr to 100cr |
| Pawan Kalyan | 60cr to 100cr |
| Chiranjeevi | 40cr to 70cr |
| Vijay Deverakonda | 27cr to 45cr |
| Nandamuri Balakrishna | 30cr |
| Ravi Teja | 28cr |
Discovering this trend reveals that actors earning the most from movies benefit from the buzz surrounding their projects. Movie producers are reaping substantial profits from rights for satellite, music, OTT, and theatrical releases. Forbes recently reported that Prabhas is the Highest Paid actor in 2024.
Charting the box office collections
Prabhas is a huge star in South India, especially in Tollywood. He's known for drawing big crowds to theaters. Even when his movies don't do well, they still make a lot of money because of his popularity. So, it's fair to say he's the top star in Telugu cinema.
| Movie Name & Release Date | Director | Stars | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) | S.S. Rajamouli | Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia | 1742.3cr (Share: 806.3cr) |
| RRR (2022) | S.S. Rajamouli | N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt | 1250.9cr (Share: 607.2cr) |
| Salaar (2023) | Prashanth Neel | Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu | 608.3cr (Share: 303.5cr) |
| Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) | S.S. Rajamouli | Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia | 572.1cr (Share: 286.9cr) |
| Saaho (2019) | Sujeeth | Prabhas, Shraddha Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Neil Nitin Mukesh | 413.9cr (Share: 203.6cr) |
| Pushpa: The Rise - Part 1 (2021) | Sukumar | Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari | 360.8cr (Share: 177.3cr) |
| Adipurush (2023) | Om Raut | Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, Saif Ali Khan, Devdutta Nage | 353.3cr (Share: 169.8cr) |
| Hanu Man (2024) | Prasanth Varma | Teja Sajja, Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Vinay Rai | 295.8cr (Share: 146.8cr) |
| Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) | Trivikram Srinivas | Allu Arjun, Pooja Hegde, Tabu, Jayaram | 252.1cr (Share: 148.9cr) |
| Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) | Surender Reddy | Chiranjeevi, Amitabh Bachchan, Sudeep, Vijay Sethupathi | 231.5cr (Share: 133.8cr) |
Most fan following hero
In social media, Allu Arjun is considered the biggest star because he is the most followed actor in South India. Comparing his popularity with others, no one can beat Allu Arjun, so he is called the real pan Indian actor.
Most handsome heroes in Tollywood
In Tollywood, where good looks and charm matter a lot, Allu Arjun shines as the most handsome actor. Allu Arjun has become the heartthrob of the Telugu film industry, known for his striking appearance, great acting skills, and irresistible charm. His latest movie, "Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo," proves his appeal once again, making him Tollywood's ultimate heartthrob.
Ans: Pawan Kalyan is hailed as the Tollywood King and revered as a demi-god among the Telugu people. Early nominations marked his promise, and iconic victories have solidified his status.
Ans: In Tollywood Pooja Hegde's Is The Undisputed No. 1 Actress, Her Rapid Rise In Tollywood Began With "Oka Laila Kosam." Her Versatility Across Telugu And Regional Cinema, Coupled With A String Of Box-Office Hits, Solidifies Her Status As A Key Figure In The Industry.
Ans: Mahesh Babu Known as the Tollywood no 1 hero Mahesh Babu is one of the most popular and handsome stars in South Indian.
Ans: Allu Arjun is a popular actor in Tollywood, also he is known as the best dancer of Tollywood.
Conclusion
Identifying the top stars of Tollywood can be simplified by considering their box office performance and overall popularity. By analyzing these factors, it becomes easier to recognize the leading actors who consistently draw audiences and contribute significantly to the success of Telugu cinema.