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    HomeNewsPhotogalleryEntertainmentLokesh Kanagaraj getting paid Rs 50 Crore? Take a look at highest-paid directors in Tamil Cinema

    Lokesh Kanagaraj getting paid Rs 50 Crore? Take a look at highest-paid directors in Tamil Cinema

    Director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Rs 50 crore fee for Coolie has reignited discussions on rising director salaries in Tamil cinema. With consistent blockbusters, top Tamil filmmakers now command some of the industry’s highest paycheques.

    Entertainment desk
    July 18, 2025 / 21:31 IST
    Atlee started his career with Raja Rani (2013), but it was Vijay's three consecutive hits—Theri (2016), Mersal (2017), and Bigil (2019)—that marked his breakthrough. His reputation was cemented when Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan (2023), his Bollywood debut, brought in over Rs 1000 crore. IMDb estimates that Atlee makes about Rs 60 crore per movie.
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    Atlee started his career with Raja Rani (2013), but it was Vijay's three consecutive hits—Theri (2016), Mersal (2017), and Bigil (2019)—that marked his breakthrough. His reputation was cemented when Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan (2023), his Bollywood debut, brought in over Rs 1000 crore. IMDb estimates that Atlee makes about Rs 60 crore per movie.
    Beginning with the critically acclaimed Maanagaram (2017), Lokesh rose to prominence with the successful films Vikram (2022), Kaithi (2019), and Master (2021). Leo (2023), his second collaboration with Vijay, was a huge hit. His compensation for Coolie reportedly increased to Rs 50 crore after that.
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    Beginning with the critically acclaimed Maanagaram (2017), Lokesh rose to prominence with the successful films Vikram (2022), Kaithi (2019), and Master (2021). Leo (2023), his second collaboration with Vijay, was a huge hit. His compensation for Coolie reportedly increased to Rs 50 crore after that.
    Shankar, a legendary figure in the industry with over 30 years of experience, started as SA Chandrasekhar's assistant. Indian cinema was transformed by movies like Enthiran (2010), Mudhalvan (1999), and Gentleman (1993). His current salary for Indian 3 is between Rs 40 and Rs 50 crore per film (IMDb).
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    Shankar, a legendary figure in the industry with over 30 years of experience, started as SA Chandrasekhar's assistant. Indian cinema was transformed by movies like Enthiran (2010), Mudhalvan (1999), and Gentleman (1993). His current salary for Indian 3 is between Rs 40 and Rs 50 crore per film (IMDb).
    Nelson, who is known for his dark humour, caused a stir with Kolamaavu Kokila (2018). With Doctor (2021), Beast, and Rajinikanth's Jailer, he received even more praise. Bloody Beggar (2024) was his first production. He is currently working on Jailer 2, which is expected to bring in Rs 60 crore.
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    Nelson, who is known for his dark humour, caused a stir with Kolamaavu Kokila (2018). With Doctor (2021), Beast, and Rajinikanth's Jailer, he received even more praise. Bloody Beggar (2024) was his first production. He is currently working on Jailer 2, which is expected to bring in Rs 60 crore.
    Murugadoss, a mainstay of action films, rose to prominence with Dheena (2001), Ramanaa (2002), and Ghajini (2008). Among his hits are Darbar (2020) with Rajinikanth, 7 Aum Arivu (2011), Thuppakki (2012), and Kaththi (2014). He recently worked with Salman Khan on Sikandar, earning about Rs 20 crore for the role.
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    Murugadoss, a mainstay of action films, rose to prominence with Dheena (2001), Ramanaa (2002), and Ghajini (2008). Among his hits are Darbar (2020) with Rajinikanth, 7 Aum Arivu (2011), Thuppakki (2012), and Kaththi (2014). He recently worked with Salman Khan on Sikandar, earning about Rs 20 crore for the role.
    Mani Ratnam is a legendary director renowned for his distinctive storytelling, and his works such as Mouna Ragam, Nayakan (1987), Roja (1992), and Bombay (1995) have endured. He rejoined Kamal Haasan for Thug Life after finishing the Ponniyin Selvan duology. According to reports, his fee ranges from Rs 20 crore on average to profit-sharing arrangements.
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    Mani Ratnam is a legendary director renowned for his distinctive storytelling, and his works such as Mouna Ragam, Nayakan (1987), Roja (1992), and Bombay (1995) have endured. He rejoined Kamal Haasan for Thug Life after finishing the Ponniyin Selvan duology. According to reports, his fee ranges from Rs 20 crore on average to profit-sharing arrangements.
    Entertainment desk
    first published: Jul 18, 2025 09:30 pm

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