Dhanush is widely respected for blending performance-driven cinema with consistent commercial credibility. His career has evolved through realistic characters, strong storytelling, and films that hold long-term value across theatres and OTT platforms.
Rather than chasing spectacle-led stardom, Dhanush has built trust through substance. This credibility directly reflects in his remuneration, which remains premium yet stable.
Current Per-Movie Fee
As per industry trade estimates, Dhanush currently charges between ₹40 crore and ₹55 crore per film for major theatrical projects. The final amount depends on the film’s scale, language reach, and distribution model.
For select projects, he also opts for performance-linked or backend participation agreements, aligning his earnings with long-term success.
Dhanush Movie-Wise Fee
| Movie (Year) | Approx Fee |
|---|---|
| Kalam (2026) | ₹20–25 crore |
| Kara (2026) | ₹20–30 crore |
| Tere Ishq Mein (2025) | ₹50–55 crore |
| Kuberaa (2025) | ₹45–50 crore |
| Idli Kadai (2025) | ₹45–50 crore |
| Raayan (2024) | ₹40–45 crore |
| Vaathi / Sir (2023) | ₹35–40 crore |
| Thiruchitrambalam (2022) | ₹30–35 crore |
| Atrangi Re (2021) | ₹25–30 crore |
| Jagame Thandhiram (2021) | ₹25–30 crore |
| Karnan (2021) | ₹20–25 crore |
| Asuran (2019) | ₹15–18 crore |
| Vada Chennai (2018) | ₹12–15 crore |
| Maari 2 (2018) | ₹14–16 crore |
| VIP 2 / Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (2017) | ₹12–14 crore |
| Pa Paandi (2017) | ₹10–12 crore |
| Kodi (2016) | ₹8–10 crore |
| Anegan (2015) | ₹6–8 crore |
| Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014) | ₹4–5 crore |
| Maryan (2013) | ₹3–4 crore |
| Raanjhanaa (2013) | ₹3–4 crore |
| Aadukalam (2011) | ₹1–2 crore |
| Polladhavan (2007) | ₹60–80 lakh |
| Kaadhal Konden (2003) | ₹20–30 lakh |
| Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002) | ₹5–10 lakh |
Upcoming Movies & Expected Fees
Dhanush has two notable upcoming projects lined up — Kalam and Kara. Both films differ in scale, genre, and commercial positioning, which is reflected in his expected remuneration.
For Kalam, a content-driven film with a strong performance focus, industry trade estimates suggest that Dhanush is likely to charge around ₹20–25 crore. The project is being developed with a controlled budget and emphasizes storytelling over spectacle, keeping the fee structure relatively balanced.
Kara, on the other hand, is positioned as a more commercially mounted project with a wider presentation scale. For this film, Dhanush’s expected remuneration is estimated to be in the range of ₹25–30 crore, factoring in its larger canvas and broader market reach.
Across both projects, Dhanush continues to prioritize selective scripts and long-term value over aggressive upfront fee hikes. In certain cases, he may also opt for performance-linked or backend participation models.
FAQs
How much does Dhanush charge per movie?
Dhanush charges approximately ₹40–55 crore per film, depending on scale and deal structure.
Does Dhanush take profit share?
Yes. For select films, he prefers performance-linked or backend participation models.
Are these salary figures officially confirmed?
No. All figures are based on trade estimates and industry discussions.