Sankranthi 2026 Telugu Movies List & Release Dates
Sankranthi is not just a festival in the Telugu states; it is a battlefield. But 2026 is different. It is not just a clash of movies; it is a clash of legacies. For the first time in history, we are witnessing a "Triple Threat" that has divided social media into three aggressive camps.
On one side, we have Prabhas, the undisputed King of Pan-India cinema, returning to the horror-comedy genre. On the other, Thalapathy Vijay arrives with what is rumored to be his emotional "final goodbye" to cinema. And standing tall in the center is the Boss himself, Megastar Chiranjeevi, bringing a "Vintage Family Entertainer" that promises to bring the house down.
Who will conquer the box office throne this year? Let’s break down the confirmed lineup, the fan theories, and the dark horses.
The Confirmed Sankranthi 2026 Lineup
The release calendar is packed. Save these dates, because tickets will vanish in seconds.
| Movie Title | Hero | Director | Release Date (Expected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Raja Saab | Prabhas | Maruthi | Jan 9, 2026 |
| Jana Nayagan | Thalapathy Vijay | H. Vinoth | Jan 9, 2026 |
| Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu | Chiranjeevi | Anil Ravipudi | Jan 12, 2026 |
| Bharta Mahashayulaku... | Ravi Teja | Kishore Tirumala | Jan 13, 2026 |
| Anaganaga Oka Raju | Naveen Polishetty | Kalyan Shankar | Jan 14, 2026 |
1. The Raja Saab: The Pan-India Giant
The Hype: Prabhas has proven he can collect ₹1000 Crores with action (Kalki 2898 AD). But can he do it with comedy? The Fan Theory: Insiders say The Raja Saab is not just a horror movie; it is a visual spectacle. With Boman Irani confirmed as the villain/hypnotist, the "mind games" aspect is trending. Why it might win: It releases first (Jan 9). If the "Talk" is positive, it will eat up the opening weekend collections before Chiranjeevi’s movie even hits the screens.
2. Jana Nayagan (Thalapathy 69): The Emotional Farewell
The Hype: This is the wildcard. Marketed as Vijay’s final film before his full-time political entry, the sentiment is at an all-time high. The Clash: Releasing on the same day as Prabhas (Jan 9), this is a direct ego battle between Tollywood and Kollywood fans. The Content Angle: Directed by H. Vinoth (known for gritty action), this won't be a simple masala movie. It is expected to have a heavy political message that will spark debates on news channels for weeks
3. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu: The Family Favorite
The Hype: Never underestimate the "Boss" during Sankranthi. While Prabhas and Vijay fight for the youth, Chiranjeevi is targeting the Families. The Secret Weapon: Victory Venkatesh. Yes, the confirmed cameo and the "Mega-Victory" dance number featuring both legends is a nostalgia bomb that will drag huge crowds of 90s kids to theaters. Why it might win: Anil Ravipudi is a master of comedy. If the other two movies are too serious or dark, the general audience will blindly choose this fun entertainer.
The "Dark Horse" – Anaganaga Oka Raju
Do you remember HanuMan crushing Guntur Kaaram in 2024? Naveen Polishetty is playing that game again. Releasing last (Jan 14), this comedy caper is waiting for the big giants to make a mistake. If the big movies get "Mixed Reviews," Naveen could steal the festival winner tag with sheer comedy content.
Final Verdict: What Should You Watch?
- For Visuals & Spooks: The Raja Saab
- For Emotional Action: Jana Nayagan
- For Pure Family Fun: Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu
The war has already started on Twitter/X. Who are you supporting? Comment "Team Prabhas", "Team Chiru", or "Team Vijay" below! Let's see who has the strongest fanbase!
For a deeper look at the release date chaos and the specific fan reactions to this massive lineup, check out this discussion: Sankranthi 2026 Box Office Clash Analysis
🎥 Box Office War
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What movies are releasing for Sankranthi 2026? The confirmed heavyweights are Prabhas's The Raja Saab, Chiranjeevi's Mana Shankara..., and Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan.
2. Is Thalapathy 69 releasing for Sankranthi? Yes, reports suggest Vijay's final film (tentatively titled Jana Nayagan) is targeting a Jan 9, 2026 release to clash with Prabhas.
3. Who is the director of Chiranjeevi's Sankranthi 2026 movie? Successful commercial director Anil Ravipudi is directing Chiranjeevi's next family entertainer.