Kalanithi Maran stands as the wealthiest filmmaker in India, boasting a net worth of approximately Rs 30,289 crore, equivalent to $3.6 billion.

He is the founder of the Sun Group, a major media conglomerate that operates 37 television channels and includes a film production company, Sun Pictures.

Maran established Sun TV in 1993, which has since evolved into a leading broadcasting network in India.

His influence in Tamil cinema is notable, having produced major blockbusters such as Enthiran, Petta, Beast, Jailer, and Raayan, which have propelled the careers of stars like Rajinikanth and Dhanush.

Maran's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 26 when he inherited a modest business from his father, former Union Minister Murosali Maran.

Expanding his business portfolio, Maran was a significant shareholder in SpiceJet from 2010 to 2015, marking his entry into the aviation sector.

In addition to his media ventures, Maran owns two cricket teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the South Africa T20 League.

His net worth significantly surpasses that of Ronnie Screwvala, the second-richest filmmaker in India, who has a net worth of Rs 13,000 crore.