Tollywood star Allu Arjun, nickname-bunny, has reportedly become the highest-paid Indian actor with his next Pan-India film, directed by Tamil blockbuster maker Atlee. Following the massive success of the Pushpa franchise, which elevated Allu Arjun’s market, the actor is set to star in another high-budget project with Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone.
The film, produced by Sun Pictures, is said to have a budget of around ₹800 crore, with approximately ₹250 crore being spent on visuals alone. Industry sources suggest Allu Arjun will earn ₹175 crore for the project, surpassing even Prabhas’s remuneration and placing him at the top of the list of India’s highest-paid actors.
Allu Arjun’s previous Pan-India success with Pushpa and Pushpa 2 created nationwide and global buzz, with the second part reportedly grossing ₹1,800 crore worldwide. The massive response to these films has generated high expectations for his upcoming collaboration with Atlee, known for his blockbuster Jawan.
The film will feature music by Sai Abhyanaker and is planned as a high-visual spectacle to cater to audiences across India and internationally. However, reports suggest that discussions over Allu Arjun’s remuneration delayed the start of the film’s production.
The rise in pay of bunny reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema, where top Tollywood stars are now competing with Bollywood actors in terms of pan-India appeal and remuneration. Alongside actors like Prabhas, Jr NTR, Ram Charan, and Ram’s peers, Allu Arjun’s films have significantly increased the market value of Telugu cinema.
Tollywood has become a major driver for the Indian film industry, with films like Baahubali, RRR, and Pushpa setting new benchmarks for box-office success. With his upcoming high-profile project, Allu Arjun is expected to further consolidate his position as a global star, while also marking a milestone in actor remuneration trends in India.
