Yash becomes India’s highest-paid villain, earning ₹200 crore for a film

Kannada superstar Yash, famed for his role in the KGF series, has set a new benchmark in Indian cinema by earning ₹200 crore for his portrayal of Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming Ramayana.

This unprecedented fee surpasses those of Bollywood heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor, marking a historic shift in industry dynamics.

Also read: Yash’s new bearded look fuels buzz for action thriller ‘Toxic’

Traditionally, lead actors have commanded the lion’s share of a film's budget, often justified by their ticket-selling power. However, with an increasing number of top stars taking on villainous roles, the antagonist’s prominence—and paycheck—has soared. Yash’s dual role as co-producer and actor in Ramayana has positioned him as the highest-paid villain in Indian cinema history.

This milestone outpaces even Kamal Haasan’s record-breaking fee of ₹25-40 crore for his cameo in Kalki 2898 AD. Notably, Yash’s ₹200 crore deal includes his fee and a share of the film's distribution earnings, making it a groundbreaking achievement.

In comparison, Bollywood’s biggest stars have yet to reach this mark consistently. Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan is a rare exception, while Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Telugu superstar Prabhas typically earn ₹120-150 crore per film. Beyond Yash, only South Indian icons Allu Arjun, Rajinikanth, and Vijay have crossed the ₹200-crore milestone.

Yash’s achievement signals a growing recognition of antagonists’ roles, redefining pay structures in Indian cinema.