Is Nagarjuna Earning More for Coolie Than Bigg Boss Telugu 9? Here's What We Know

Senior Telugu star Nagarjuna Akkineni is once again in the headlines-this time for his hefty remuneration. With two high-profile projects lined up in 2025-the mega-budget film Coolie and the hugely popular reality show Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9-fans and industry watchers alike are wondering: which is bringing the star a bigger paycheck?

Let's break it down.

In Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth in the lead, Nagarjuna plays a pivotal role named Simon. Produced by Sun Pictures, the film has a massive ₹400-crore budget and is scheduled to release on August 14, 2025.

Nagarjuna's Remuneration For Coolie

Early reports suggest Nagarjuna is being paid between ₹24 crore and ₹30 crore for his role, despite not being the film's lead. That figure has raised eyebrows and expectations, especially considering his limited screen time.

On the other hand, Nagarjuna's long-standing stint as host of Bigg Boss Telugu continues to be a major source of income. Having hosted the show since Season 3, he has become synonymous with its success. For the upcoming Season 9, reports indicate that he could be earning upwards of ₹30 crore, which would mark another pay hike after the reported ₹30 crore for Season 8.

Nagarjuna's Paycheck For Bigg Boss Telugu

So, is Coolie topping Bigg Boss Telugu in terms of pay? It's a close call. While exact figures vary by source, it appears Nagarjuna is commanding nearly equal remuneration for both. If the higher-end estimates are accurate, Bigg Boss may still edge out slightly, but Coolie isn't far behind-and that's remarkable for a non-lead role.

Either way, Nagarjuna is having a stellar financial year. With additional earnings from Kubera, industry trackers estimate his 2025 income could soar past ₹80 crore. Not bad for someone who's not even headlining a film this year!

One thing's clear: whether it's the big screen or the small, Nagarjuna remains one of Telugu entertainment's most bankable and beloved figures.