Oct 22, 2026 5:06pm IST

Prabhas, Rajinikanth, Yash: South Indian Stars Who Have Delivered ₹50 Crore-Plus Openers

Ganesh Aaglave

Trade Reporter

The Indian entertainment industry is often perceived as being dominated by A-list Hindi film stars. However, over the past decade, actors from the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries have demonstrated their immense star power, building a pan-India following. Interestingly, in the domestic market, South Indian stars have delivered more ₹50 crore-plus openers than their Hindi film counterparts. 

Prabhas: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,’ ‘Saaho,’ ‘Adipurush,’ ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire,’ ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ ‘The Raja Saab’

With six ₹50 crore-plus openers, Prabhas, popularly known as the ‘Rebel Star’, leads the list. His strong fanbase across Hindi-speaking markets, along with his loyal Telugu-speaking audience, has played a key role in driving these impressive openings. The films include “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” (₹121 crore), “Saaho” (₹89 crore), “Adipurush” (₹86.75 crore), “Kalki 2898 AD” (₹95.30 crore), “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire” (₹90.7 crore) and “The Raja Saab” (₹53.75 crore).

Rajinikanth: ‘2.0,’ ‘Coolie,’ ‘Jailer 2’

The legendary actor, fondly called ‘Thalaivar’ by fans, has delivered three films that have hit the ₹50 crore milestone on day one. The list includes “2.0” (₹60.25 crore), “Coolie” (₹65 crore) and “Jailer 2” (₹59.70 crore).

Ram Charan: ‘RRR,’ ‘Game Changer,’ ‘Peddi’

The ‘Mega Power Star’ of the Telugu film industry attained this milestone with “RRR” (₹133 crore), “Game Changer” (₹51 crore) and “Peddi” (₹51 crore).

Yash: ‘K.G.F: Chapter 2,’ ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’

Kannada Industry’s ‘Rocking Star’ has two 50 crore-plus openers to his credit - “K.G.F: Chapter 2” (₹116 crore) and “Toxic” (₹101.10 crore).  

Jr NTR: ‘Devara,’ ‘RRR,’ War 2’

The action star, who earned the moniker ‘Young Tiger’ at 19 for his intense performances and strong presence, delivered 50 crore-plus openers with “RRR” (₹133 crore), “Devara: Part 1” (₹82.50 crore) and “War 2” (₹52 crore).

C. Joseph Vijay: ‘Leo’

Tamil Nadu’s current Chief Minister and former actor Vijay hit a half-century with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s “Leo,” which opened to ₹64.80 crore.

Rishab Shetty: ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1’

The prominent Kannada director and actor delivered a bona fide blockbuster with his latest release, “Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1,” which opened to ₹61.85 crore.

Pawan Kalyan: ‘They Call Him OG’

The ‘Power Star’ of the Telugu Industry and Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh pulled off a ₹50 crore club opener with “They Call Him OG,” which raked in ₹63.75 crore.

Allu Arjun: ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’

‘Stylish Star’ Allu Arjun’s latest film, “Pushpa: The Rule,” became a box-office phenomenon, opening to a massive ₹164.25 crore.

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