In Indian cinema, a handful of filmmakers have gone far beyond the traditional role of directors to become powerful brands in their own right. With films that consistently draw massive audiences and generate record-breaking revenues, these visionaries have transformed creativity into a thriving business. In 2026, the director’s chair isn’t just a seat; it’s a golden throne atop a mountain of box-office gold.

As of early 2026, here are the wealthiest directors currently dominating the Indian film industry and their reported net worth.

Updates list of top 5 richest film directors in India 2026

1. Karan Johar (approx. Rs 1800 crore)

Karan Johar remains the undisputed king of filmmaker fortunes. While his personal net worth from directing alone is massive, his true wealth stems from his role as the head of Dharma Productions. He sources of income include global box-office hits, massive production ventures, hosting (Koffee with Karan), and extensive brand endorsements.

2. Rajkumar Hirani (Rs 1300 crore)

Rajkumar Hirani, the creative force behind blockbuster films like 3 Idiots, PK, and Sanju, has emerged as a defining figure in meaningful commercial cinema. Known for his unique ability to weave powerful social messages with humour and heartfelt emotion, Hirani’s storytelling resonates with audiences across generations and geographies. With an estimated net worth of Rs 1,300 crore, he currently stands as second the richest director in India.

3. SS Rajamouli (Rs 1,000 – Rs1,200 Crore)

Rajamouli is the “Emperor of Epics” who shattered the 1,000-crore box office barrier with Baahubali and RRR. He is also often cited as the highest-paid director in India per project, reportedly charging upwards of Rs 200 crore for his upcoming mega-film Varanasi starring Mahesh Babu. He typically takes a significant 30% share of film profits rather than a flat fee.

4. Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Rs 940 to Rs 1000 crore)

Widely regarded as the master of visual opulence and grand cinematic worlds, Bhansali has seamlessly transformed artistic brilliance into a formidable financial empire. Renowned for his meticulously crafted sets, rich aesthetics, and emotionally charged storytelling, Bhansali has delivered some of Indian cinema’s most iconic historical epics, including Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat. His most recent successful project is Netflix’s Heeramandi.

5. Rakesh Roshan (appox. Rs 850 crore)

A veteran filmmaker, producer, and former actor, Rakesh Roshan has been a prominent force in Bollywood for decades. With an estimated net worth ranging between Rs 650–850 crore, he has built a successful legacy through commercially acclaimed films and franchises, most notably the Krrish series. Known for his strong storytelling, memorable music, and larger-than-life productions, Roshan has consistently delivered films that connect with family audiences, making him one of Hindi cinema’s most influential and financially successful filmmakers. As a filmmaker, his work includes the melodramatic thriller Karan Arjun (1995), the musical romantic thriller Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), the science fiction film Koi… Mil Gaya (2003) and its sequels, the superhero Krrish film series (2006–13).