Updated on: 04 November, 2026 01:56 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
Theyve ruled the silver screen, delivered jaw-dropping performances and earned millions of fans. But, what if we told you that some of your favourite South Indian heroes are also the masterminds behind films you love? From backing ambitious projects to building their own production houses, these actors are proving that their talents go far beyond acting. These stars have stepped beyond the glamour of acting to explore the unpredictable world of film production. Here are six South Indian actors whose producer credits deserve just as much attention as their performances!
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan’s production company is Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI). He made his production debut with the landmark 1981 film Raja Paarvai (simultaneously released in Telugu as Amavasya Chandrudu), which he co-produced under the Haazan Brothers banner alongside his brother Chandrahasan. Through RKFI, he has produced numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, many of which he also wrote, directed, or starred in, including Thevar Magan (1992), Hey Ram (2000), Virumaandi (2004), Vishwaroopam (2013), and Vikram (2022).
Kamal Haasan’s production company is Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI). He made his production debut with the landmark 1981 film Raja Paarvai (simultaneously released in Telugu as Amavasya Chandrudu), which he co-produced under the Haazan Brothers banner alongside his brother Chandrahasan. Through RKFI, he has produced numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, many of which he also wrote, directed, or starred in, including Thevar Magan (1992), Hey Ram (2000), Virumaandi (2004), Vishwaroopam (2013), and Vikram (2022).
Nani
Telugu actor Nani entered film production in 2013 as a co-producer of D for Dopidi and later founded the production house Wall Poster Cinema alongside costume designer Prashanti Tipirneni. The banner's maiden project; won National Film Awards for Best Special Effects and Best Make-Up Artist.
Telugu actor Nani entered film production in 2013 as a co-producer of D for Dopidi and later founded the production house Wall Poster Cinema alongside costume designer Prashanti Tipirneni. The banner's maiden project; won National Film Awards for Best Special Effects and Best Make-Up Artist.
Nagarjuna Akkineni
Nagarjuna Akkineni is a prominent Indian film producer, entrepreneur, and co-owner of the legacy production house Annapurna Studios (along with his brother Venkat Akkineni), which was originally founded by his legendary father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). He officially ventured into film production in 1995, even setting up production units and dabbling in international projects like film animation.
Nagarjuna Akkineni is a prominent Indian film producer, entrepreneur, and co-owner of the legacy production house Annapurna Studios (along with his brother Venkat Akkineni), which was originally founded by his legendary father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). He officially ventured into film production in 1995, even setting up production units and dabbling in international projects like film animation.
Prithviraj Sukumaran
Prithviraj Sukumaran has made a significant impact as a film producer in Malayalam cinema by backing content-driven, experimental, and large-scale commercial projects. He co-produced and starred in acclaimed films like Urumi (2011) and the National Award-winning Indian Rupee (2011). He parted ways with August Cinema in early 2017 to launch his own independent venture.
Prithviraj Sukumaran has made a significant impact as a film producer in Malayalam cinema by backing content-driven, experimental, and large-scale commercial projects. He co-produced and starred in acclaimed films like Urumi (2011) and the National Award-winning Indian Rupee (2011). He parted ways with August Cinema in early 2017 to launch his own independent venture.
Ram Charan
Ram Charan expanded his work in Telugu cinema beyond acting by turning into a film producer. Konidela Production Company was established by Ram Charan in 2016, primarily created to produce and back projects starring his father, veteran actor Chiranjeevi. Chiranjeevi’s major 150th film comeback was produced under Konidela Production Company.
Ram Charan expanded his work in Telugu cinema beyond acting by turning into a film producer. Konidela Production Company was established by Ram Charan in 2016, primarily created to produce and back projects starring his father, veteran actor Chiranjeevi. Chiranjeevi’s major 150th film comeback was produced under Konidela Production Company.
Mahesh Babu
Mahesh Babu works as a film producer in Telugu cinema through his production house, G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment (GMB Entertainment), which he founded in 2014. "Srimanthudu" marked his debut as a co-producer. He opted to co-produce the film under his banner to control the budget while taking a share in the profits instead of a standard upfront fee.
Mahesh Babu works as a film producer in Telugu cinema through his production house, G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment (GMB Entertainment), which he founded in 2014. "Srimanthudu" marked his debut as a co-producer. He opted to co-produce the film under his banner to control the budget while taking a share in the profits instead of a standard upfront fee.
