Mohanlal salary per movie in 2026 has reached a staggering ₹20 crore to ₹25 crore for major projects. Starting with a humble paycheck of just ₹2,000 for his debut in 1980, Mohanlal’s journey is a testament to his unparalleled mastery over the craft. Today, he stands as one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema, commanding a massive premium for his lead roles, especially in big-budget pan-Indian ventures and franchise expansions like Empuraan.
The veteran actor’s remuneration has seen exponential growth over four decades. While he charged around ₹5-8 crore during the mid-2010s for hits like Pulimurugan, the digital boom and his massive appeal in the Gulf market have pushed his current market rate past the ₹20 crore mark. For specialized performance-heavy films or medium-budget projects like Neru, he often adopts a flexible approach, sometimes taking a lower upfront fee in exchange for distribution rights or profit shares.
Highest Paid Projects of Mohanlal
| Rank | Project Name | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | L2: Empuraan (2025/26) | ₹25 Crore |
| #2 | Barroz (2024) | ₹20 Crore |
| #3 | Malaikottai Vaaliban (2024) | ₹18 Crore |
Mohanlal Complete Movie-Wise Salary (1980–2026)
| SR. | Movie Name | Year | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drishyam 3 | 2026 | ₹22 Cr | |
| Leader | 2026 | ₹20 Cr | |
| L2: Empuraan | 2025 | ₹25 Cr | |
| Thudarum | 2025 | ₹15 Cr | |
| Barroz: Guardian of Treasures | 2024 | ₹20 Cr | |
| Malaikottai Vaaliban | 2024 | ₹18 Cr | |
| Neru | 2023 | ₹12 Cr | |
| Jailer (Extended Cameo) | 2023 | ₹8 Cr | |
| Alone | 2023 | N/A | |
| Monster | 2022 | ₹10 Cr | |
| Aaraattu | 2022 | ₹12 Cr | |
| Drishyam 2 | 2021 | ₹12 Cr | |
| Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea | 2021 | N/A | |
| Big Brother | 2020 | ₹10 Cr | |
| Lucifer | 2019 | ₹15 Cr | |
| Ittymaani: Made in China | 2019 | ₹10 Cr | |
| Odiyan | 2018 | ₹8 Cr | |
| Kayamkulam Kochunni | 2018 | Cameo | |
| Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol | 2017 | ₹6 Cr | |
| Pulimurugan | 2016 | ₹8 Cr | |
| Oppam | 2016 | ₹5 Cr | |
| Janatha Garage (Telugu) | 2016 | ₹8 Cr | |
| Drishyam | 2013 | ₹4 Cr | |
| Casanovva | 2012 | ₹3 Cr | |
| Pranayam | 2011 | N/A | |
| Sagar Alias Jackie: Reloaded | 2009 | ₹2.5 Cr | |
| Twenty:20 | 2008 | N/A | |
| Udayananu Tharam | 2005 | ₹1.5 Cr | |
| Narasimham | 2000 | N/A | |
| Vanaprastham | 1999 | N/A | |
| Iruvar (Tamil) | 1997 | N/A | |
| Spadikam | 1995 | N/A | |
| Manichithrathazhu | 1993 | N/A | |
| Bharatham | 1991 | N/A | |
| Chithram | 1988 | N/A | |
| Rajavinte Makan | 1986 | N/A | |
| Manjil Virinja Pookkal (Debut) | 1980 | ₹2,000 |