Sankranthi 2026: Telugu and Tamil Films Star Chiranjeevi, Prabhas, Vijay

The Heavyweight Line-up for Sankranthi 2026

It’s become a tradition that Anil Ravipudi’s films are slated for release around major festivals like Dasara or Sankranthi. His upcoming venture, *Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu*, featuring Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara, is set for the festive season, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

Additionally, the delayed horror comedy *The Raja Saab* by Maruthi, featuring Prabhas alongside Sanjay Dutt and others, is set to premiere on January 9. Kishore Tirumala’s untitled film with Ravi Teja also aims for a Sankranthi release, although a specific date is still pending.

Another awaited film, *Maari*, aka Kalyan Shankar’s *Anaganaga Oka Raju*, starring Naveen Polishetty and Meenakshi Chaudhary, is confirmed for January 14. Furthermore, Ram Abbaraju’s film featuring Sharwanand and other stars, *Nari Nari Naduma Murari*, has entered the mix.

In addition to these, dubbed versions of H Vinoth’s *Jana Nayagan* and Sudha Kongara’s *Parasakthi* are releasing on January 9 and 12 respectively, adding to the entertainment frenzy.

Reflecting on the 2024 Sankranthi Disruption

The 2024 Sankranthi lineup was crowded with prominent Telugu films such as *HanuMan*, *Guntur Kaaram*, and *Naa Saami Ranga*, alongside Tamil counterparts. In the end, most films vied for viewership in the Telugu states, with all but one, *Eagle*, remaining in the competition.

Despite pressures and calls for *HanuMan* to withdraw, it managed to rise above the fray, earning ₹295 crore globally compared to ₹180.5 crore for *Guntur Kaaram*. Other films like *Saindhav* and *Naa Saami Ranga* faced modest outcomes.

By Sankranthi 2025, it seemed that filmmakers had reconsidered the overcrowding strategy, as *Game Changer*, *Daaku Maharaaj*, and *Sankranthiki Vasthunam* created a balanced competition with fewer titles from Tamil cinema.

However, the current outlook for 2026 suggests a return to crowded conditions.