The Indian film industry is one of the largest in the world. It plays a major role in showcasing Indian culture. Indian movies are loved not just in India, but also in countries like China, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. Even today, movies, specially Bollywood films, earn a lot from overseas markets.
About ten years ago, Aamir Khan’s film 3 Idiots was released in China and became a big hit. It helped bring Bollywood back into the spotlight there. His other films, like PK and Dangal, were also huge successes in China, earning even more abroad than in India.
We can’t let this topic go without mentioning the rise of OTT platforms in India. It has changed the way we watch movies now, giving filmmakers more freedom and space to experiment with their scripts.
When we talk about Indian cinema, more than 50% of the content we consume is from the South Indian movies. The Tollywood, Mollywood, and Kollywood industries have become in recent years. Movies like RRR, Vikram, Baahubali 2, KGF: Chapter 2, and Kabali have done really well at the box office, both in India and oversees.
When a movie becomes successful, most of the credit usually goes to the actors, while the filmmakers often don’t get the recognition they deserve. So, let’s take a look at the top 7 highest-paid Indian directors who make us believe in powerful stories.
SS Rajamouli: He is the highest-grossing Indian film director, who is also the highest-paid director in Indian cinema. He is the man behind Baahubali 1 and 2, the Oscar-winning RRR. As per IMDb, he earns Rs 200 crore per film.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga: He is an Indian film director, screenwriter and editor. With his three movies, Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh and Animal, he became the most controversial director. As per the report, he earns Rs 100-150 crore per film.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Atlee: The filmmaker who gave Shah Rukh Khan a big hit with Jawan, has become one of the highest-grossing Indian film directors. Jawan was the highest-grossing release of 2023, crossing over Rs 1100 crore worldwide. He has also worked for Baby John, Bigil. As per the reports, his fees has also increased from Rs 30 crore to Rs 100 crore.
Shah Rukh Khan with Atlee
Prashanth Neeel: The man behind Ugramm, KGF duology and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire. He is reportedly earning Rs 100 crore per film.
Prashanth Neeel
Rajkumar hirani: He made his directorial debut in 2003 with Sanjay Dutt’s Munna Bhai MBBS. Later he directed Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, Sanju and recently Dunki. He earns around Rs 80 crore per film.
Rajkumar Hirani
Sukumar: The man behind massive success of Pushpa 1 and Pushpa 2, the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. He earns Rs 75 crore per film.
Sukumar
Sanjay leela bhansali: The man who gave a new meaning to cinema and period dramas. Films like Guzaarish, Saawariya, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Heeramandi are still watched on repeat and studied for their cinematic brilliance. According to reports, Sanjay earns between Rs 55-65 crore per film.
Sanjay leela bhansali
