Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a big-budget movie, especially when it comes to the paychecks? The recently released Tamil crime thriller, Aaryan, has been making waves, not just for its gripping plot but also for the surprising details about its cast salaries that have come to light. The film, which recently dropped on Netflix on November 28, 2025, had a tough run at the box office, but the numbers behind the stars' earnings tell a fascinating story of their own.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Vishnu Vishal reportedly earned a whopping Rs. 6 crore, making him the highest-paid actor in the film.
- ✓ The film was made on a budget of Rs. 25 crores but only collected Rs. 5.1 crore worldwide at the box office.
- ✓ Antagonist Selvaraghavan, despite his stellar performance, allegedly took home Rs. 1 crore.
- ✓ The movie marked Vishnu Vishal's return as a solo lead actor after a three-year hiatus.
- ✓ After its theatrical run, Aaryan is now available for streaming on Netflix in five languages.
Vishnu Vishal's Big Comeback and Even Bigger Paycheck
Let's start with the man of the hour, Vishnu Vishal. This film was a huge deal for him, marking his return as a solo lead after a three-year break. He wasn't just the star; he was also one of the producers under his banner, Vishnu Vishal Studioz. He poured his heart and soul into this project, playing the role of a determined, no-nonsense police officer, DCP 'Arivudai Nambi'.
Given his multiple roles and star power, it's not entirely surprising that he bagged the biggest paycheck of the entire cast. According to a report by Big TV, the Ratsasan actor reportedly earned a cool Rs. 6 crore for his work on Aaryan. This really sets the bar and shows the kind of investment and faith he had in this gritty thriller.
He even shared a heartfelt note on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, expressing how much this film meant to him. He said, "It's been three years since I've had a release as a solo lead, and Aaryan feels like the right film to make that return... because it's everything I've been waiting for: intense, fresh, and unlike anything I've done before." It's clear this was more than just another movie for him.
The Antagonist's Surprising Salary
Now, here's where things get really interesting. The main antagonist was played by the brilliant Selvaraghavan, who delivered a standout performance as a vicious, struggling writer turned criminal mastermind. His character hijacks a live TV show to announce a chilling "crime game," instantly putting the entire city on edge. His portrayal was one of the major highlights of the film.
You'd think the villain who stole the show would be second in line for a massive payday, right? Well, that's not quite how it played out. While many guessed he'd have one of the highest salaries, Selvaraghavan allegedly took home Rs. 1 crore for his role. It's a significant amount, for sure, but it pales in comparison to the lead's fee and is even less than what the female lead earned.
Breaking Down the Rest of the Cast's Earnings
Beyond the hero and the villain, Aaryan featured a talented supporting cast that brought the story to life. And the pay distribution among them is quite revealing. The key female role was played by Shraddha Srinath, who, in a surprising turn, allegedly earned more than the main antagonist. Her paycheck was reportedly Rs. 1.2 crore, placing her as the second-highest-paid actor in the film.
Following her is the rising actress Maanasa Choudhary, who reportedly took home Rs. 75 lakhs for her part. The rest of the supporting cast, including familiar faces like Taarak Ponnappa, Karunakaran, and Sai Ronak, allegedly earned salaries ranging between Rs. 40 lakhs and Rs. 60 lakhs. It's always fascinating to see the financial hierarchy on a film set.
A High-Stakes Story of Crime and Emotion
So, what is this film that commanded such a budget all about? Directed by debutant Praveen K, Aaryan is a tense thriller centered around a middle-aged writer who feels wronged by the world. To unleash chaos, he hijacks a live television broadcast and announces his plan: a series of five crimes will take place across the city, and he will reveal the victim's identity just one hour before each attack.
This shocking announcement throws the city into a panic. That's when DCP 'Arivudai Nambi', played by Vishnu Vishal, steps in. He takes charge of the high-profile case and begins a desperate mission to track down the mysterious killer before he can strike again. As the DCP gets deeper into the investigation, the case becomes intensely personal, blurring the lines between his duty and his life.
The story isn't just a straightforward cat-and-mouse chase, though. The climax apparently holds an emotional backstory that explains the motives behind the writer's chilling crime spree. The film aims to be a compelling mix of action, suspense, and raw emotion, making it more than just your average thriller.
The Journey from Theaters to Netflix
The film's journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster. It first hit Tamil theaters on October 30, 2025, creating a significant pre-release buzz. However, the audience response led the makers to trim the climax on the very first Monday after its release—a quick adjustment to try and improve its theatrical run. Unfortunately, it didn't quite catch fire at the box office.
Aaryan also had a Telugu release, but it failed to gain much traction there either. Now, the team is hoping for a second chance with its digital premiere. By landing on Netflix, the film is now accessible to a massive global audience. It's available not just in Tamil but also in Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu, giving it the potential to find the audience it was looking for.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, the story behind Aaryan is just as compelling as the one on screen. It's a tale of a major star's comeback with a massive Rs. 6 crore paycheck, a surprisingly modest fee for its lauded villain, and a box office performance that didn't live up to its Rs. 25 crore budget. While it may not have been a theatrical blockbuster, its intriguing plot and stellar performances, especially from Vishnu Vishal and Selvaraghavan, might just make it a hit on streaming. Now that it's on Netflix, it has a fresh opportunity to connect with thriller fans everywhere.
