Sankranthi 2026 Film Lineup: Six Big Releases, Star Power and Box-Office Stakes

Sankranthi has long been the most crucial box-office season for South Indian cinema, particularly for Telugu and Tamil films. It is the one festive window when family audiences return to theatres in large numbers, repeat viewings increase, and even mid-budget films can outperform expectations purely on festive momentum. In 2026, the stakes are set to be especially high, with at least six major films locking release dates during the Sankranthi period, making it one of the most crowded and competitive festive slates in recent years.

Kicking off the season on January 9 is The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas and directed by Maruthi. The film blends horror, fantasy, and comedy, a genre that has recently found strong acceptance with audiences across India. Despite facing multiple delays, renewed buzz following promotional material has positioned it as a potentially strong festival opener. With reports of paid premieres a day earlier, the film could set the tone for the Sankranthi box office.

Releasing on the same day is Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay. Widely viewed as Vijay’s final full-fledged theatrical release before his transition into politics, the film carries added emotional and historical weight. Regardless of reviews, Vijay’s consistent draw in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, overseas markets, and even Telugu-speaking regions is expected to translate into strong festive numbers.

The festival momentum continues with Manashankara Varaprasad Garu, slated for January 12. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film stars Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara. Positioned as a full-scale family entertainer, the film is expected to bank heavily on festive audiences. For Chiranjeevi, the project marks a return to light-hearted, family-oriented cinema, a space where he has historically enjoyed massive success.

Mid-month releases include Bharta Mahasayulu Vignapthi on January 13, starring Ravi Teja. The film is positioned as a family comedy-drama, aiming to tap into nostalgia-driven humour. While early promotional response has been mixed, festive footfalls could still work in its favour if word of mouth improves.

On January 14, Anaganaga Oka Raju, starring Naveen Polishetty, arrives as a comedy entertainer set against a Godavari backdrop. Despite facing competition from larger star films, Sankranthi has historically allowed content-driven films to thrive, provided humour and storytelling connect.

Closing the festive window is Nari Nari Naduma Murari, releasing on January 15 and starring Sharwanand. Trade circles note potential screen-allocation challenges due to the crowded slate, but past Sankranthi successes have shown that strong content can still find space.

Overall, Sankranthi 2026 reflects a changing industry dynamic. While star power remains important, content continues to be the final deciding factor. With a diverse mix of horror-comedy, mass entertainers, and family dramas, the festive season promises high-stakes box-office battles where audience word of mouth will ultimately decide the winners.