6 Big South Films Lined Up For Sankranthi 2026: Prabhas' The Raja Saab To Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan

Sankranthi is not just a festival for South India, but a grand celebration in the world of cinema. It’s a period when families, who rarely go to theatres, make it a point to catch a film together, leading to a significant surge in footfalls and repeat viewings. This festive season has become synonymous with big releases, as multiple films compete for attention, often benefiting from the collective excitement of the time. For 2026, Sankranthi promises to be a spectacularly competitive period, with at least six major films lined up across Telugu and Tamil cinemas. From Prabhas’ The Raja Saab to Thalapathy Vijay’s swansongJana Nayagan and Chiranjeevi’s Manashankara Varaprasad Garu, this Sankranthi season will showcase a powerful mix of star power,

genre experimentation, family entertainment, and comedy. With content being the deciding factor, it’s set to be an exciting battle for audiences and box-office supremacy.Check out the list of South Indian films set to hit the big screens on the auspicious ocassion of Sankranthi 2026:

The Raja Saab – January 9

Prabhas leads the charge for Sankranthi 2026 withThe Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi. This much-awaited film blends horror, fantasy, and comedy, a genre that has gained popularity in recent years. Although the film faced multiple delays and setbacks, the final trailer has sparked a renewed buzz. Prabhas’ pan-India reach and the rising interest in horror-comedy films give The Raja Saab the potential to be a festival opener with strong box office performance. Reports suggest that paid premieres may begin as early as January 8, giving the film an early start.

Jana Nayagan – January 9

Releasing on the same day as The Raja Saab is Jana Nayagan, starring Thalapathy Vijay. This film holds special significance as it is widely regarded as Vijay’s last theatrical release before his full-time entry into politics, a move that gives the film historic value. While reports suggest thematic similarities to Bhagavanth Kesari, nothing has been confirmed. However, Vijay’s immense following in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, overseas markets, and even the Telugu states means that Jana Nayagan is expected to perform well during the festival, regardless of word of mouth.

Manashankara Varaprasad Garu – January 12

Directed by Anil Ravipudi, Manashankara Varaprasad Garu stars Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara. Known for his successful festival entertainers, Ravipudi brings a family-oriented film that could appeal to audiences looking for wholesome entertainment. For Chiranjeevi, this is a chance to return to the family comedy genre after a more serious phase. If the film resonates emotionally and connects with the audience’s expectations for a good time, it could emerge as a big winner this Sankranthi.

Anaganaga Oka Raju – January 14

Starring Naveen Polishetty, Anaganaga Oka Raju is set against a Godavari backdrop and is directed by debutant Maari. With Polishetty’s proven comedic timing and strong recall from films like Jathi Ratnalu and Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty, expectations are high. Despite competition from bigger films, Sankranthi has historically allowed smaller and mid-budget films to find their audience if the content clicks. If the humor works, this film could carve a niche for itself during the festival period.

Bhartha Mahasayulu Vignapthi – January 13

Starring Ravi Teja, Bhartha Mahasayulu Vignapthi is a family comedy-drama directed by Kishore Tirumala. Ravi Teja has been shifting his focus towards family-oriented films after a string of mass entertainers. The teaser didn’t generate much excitement, but if the film taps into Ravi Teja’s signature humour and emotional storytelling, it could become a sleeper hit, especially with the festive mood in full swing.

Nari Nari Naduma Murari – January 15

Shatamanam Bhavati fame Sharwanand stars in this long-delayed film, Nari Nari Naduma Murari, directed by Ram Abbaraju. While the film is scheduled for Sankranthi release, trade experts believe it may struggle to secure enough screens due to competition from larger films. However, Sharwanand has had previous success during Sankranthi, and Shatamanam Bhavati became a festival hit despite fierce competition.

What ultimately decides the fate of Sankranti releases?

As Sankranthi continues to evolve as a pan-Indian event, star power alone is no longer a guarantee of success. Big-budget films will undoubtedly draw crowds, but smaller and mid-scale films can still break through if the content resonates with audiences. The inevitable clashes, screen-sharing issues, and release-date pressures only add to the excitement. However, as always during Sankranthi, the final verdict will come down to one factor: content. The films that get strong word of mouth will have the upper hand and may emerge as surprise festival successes.