Nani and Vijay Deverakonda in Telugu are among the most happening Tier-2 actors. In Tamil, it is Sivakarthikeyan and Dhanush. Based on the trade data reported by Daily Culture, we have made a qualitative analysis of the actors by ranking them based on the opening-day grossers (Rs 20 CR+) since the pandemic.
Nani leads the pack as the top-ranked Tier-2 hero, dominating with three films: Hit3 (Rs 41.5 CR), Dasara (Rs 38 CR), and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (Rs 22 CR). His consistent performance underscores his unmatched audience pull and market trust, with Hit3 standing out as the highest grosser.
Vijay Deverakonda follows at Rank #2, securing spots with Kushi (Rs 27 CR) and Liger (Rs 25 CR), reflecting a loyal fanbase. However, his numbers fall short of Nani’s peak, and Liger’s eventual disaster status dents his standing. Kingdom is expected to take stunning openings.
Sivakarthikeyan, at No. 3, makes a strong impression with a single film, Amaran (Rs 36 CR), nearly matching Nani’s Dasara. His Maaveeran was also a hit in Tamil.
Dhanush, at rank four, delivers a respectable Rs 24.2CR with Raayan, but as a lone entry, it lacks the volume of Nani, indicating a solid but less dominant market appeal.
Naga Chaitanya rounds out the list at rank five with Thandel (Rs 20.5 CR), the lowest opening. Thank You and Custody were big flops.
