From Raja Saab to Shankara Prasad Garu: Sankranthi 2026

Sankranthi is a big season for Telugu movies. Families flock to theatres, and 2026 is shaping up to be a packed year. Filmmakers have lined up several big releases, from fun entertainers to emotional family stories and light horror comedies. With stars like Prabhas, Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Sharwanand, and Naveen Polishetty on screen, expectations are high this January.

So, which movies are releasing this Sankranthi? Let’s take a simple look at what’s coming to theatres.

The Raja Saab (January 9, 2026)

The Raja Saab kicks off the Sankranthi releases with a mix of horror and comedy. Prabhas plays the lead in a new kind of role, blending spooky moments with humour. The film is directed by Maruthi and also stars Sanjay Dutt, Niddhi Agerwal, Boman Irani, and Malavika Mohanan. The trailer has already caught attention for its strong visuals, spooky scenes, and entertaining moments. The film promises a fun theatre experience with both scares and laughs, making it a major draw for the festive weekend.

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (January 12, 2026)

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu arrives as a big Sankranthi attraction, led by megastar Chiranjeevi. Nayanthara plays an important role alongside him. The film is directed by Anil Ravipudi, known for delivering crowd-pleasing hits. This movie is expected to be a full family entertainer. It brings together emotion, light action, and plenty of comedy. The Chiranjeevi–Anil Ravipudi combination has already created strong buzz, and many expect it to be a festival favourite at the box office.

Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi (January 13, 2026)

Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi brings Ravi Teja back to theatres during the Sankranthi season. The film is directed by Kishore Tirumala and focuses on romance mixed with family emotions. Dimple Hayati and Ashika Ranganath play key roles alongside Ravi Teja. The movie is designed as a light, feel-good entertainer, aimed at festive audiences looking for a warm family story. The story is expected to revolve around relationships, everyday family moments, and emotional conflicts that connect easily with Sankranthi viewers.

Anaganaga Oka Raju (January 14, 2026)

Anaganaga Oka Raju is a pure comedy entertainer led by Naveen Polishetty. Backed by the producers of popular hits like DJ Tillu and Sir, the film promises plenty of laughs and easygoing storytelling. Meenakshi Chaudhary stars opposite Polishetty. Known for his sharp humour and timing, Naveen Polishetty is expected to deliver a fun, relatable performance that appeals strongly to young audiences and families looking for a stress-free festive watch.

Nari Nari Naduma Murari (January 14 & 15, 2026)

Nari Nari Naduma Murari stars Sharwanand in the lead and is directed by Ram Abbaraju, known for Samajavaragamana. The film is shaped as a clean family comedy with light humour and feel-good moments. With its simple story, relatable characters, and festive tone, the movie is expected to attract family audiences looking for an easy, enjoyable watch during the busiest days of Sankranthi. The dual release dates suggest strong confidence from the makers, aiming to tap into peak holiday footfall when families step out together for movies.

 Key Trends Defining Sankranthi 2026 Releases

Sankranthi 2026 stands out for a few clear reasons.

Big Stars Releasing Together: Top actors like Prabhas, Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Sharwanand, and Naveen Polishetty all have films releasing around the same time. This rarely happens and adds to the excitement.

Different Kinds of Films: The lineup offers something for everyone. There are horror comedies, romantic family dramas, and full-on comedy entertainers, so audiences can choose what they enjoy most.

Strong Box-Office Talk: Fans and trade circles are actively debating which film will lead the box office. With high budgets and strong pre-release buzz, Sankranthi 2026 is expected to be one of the most competitive festival seasons in recent Telugu cinema.

Conclusion

The Sankranthi season always draws big crowds and plenty of buzz, and in 2026 the competition looks stronger than ever. Fans are already marking their calendars and planning theatre visits in advance. With big stars, different genres, and back-to-back releases, the festival promises non-stop entertainment. Who will finally lead the box office? The answer will unfold once the films hit the screens. 

            FAQs         

Why do many Sankranthi releases avoid January 15?

January 15 is Makara Sankranthi, when most families are busy with pujas, travel, and visiting relatives. Fewer people go to theatres that day. Movies released between January 9 and 14 usually get steadier crowds and benefit once celebrations slow down.

Why are Sankranthi films usually longer than regular releases?

Festival audiences want complete entertainment. They expect songs, comedy, emotions, and strong interval scenes. Since people are on holiday and not rushed, filmmakers keep movies longer to give a full, satisfying experience.

Why does The Raja Saab releasing before Sankranthi matter?

Releasing before the festival helps a film build strong word of mouth. If audiences like it, the movie holds more screens during peak Sankranthi days and avoids heavy first-day competition from other releases.

Why are family entertainers safer during Sankranthi than action films?

Sankranthi audiences include all age groups watching together. Family entertainers work for kids, elders, and adults alike. That’s why films like Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu are seen as safer choices at the box office.

Why do comedy films perform well even with big star releases?

Comedy films depend more on repeat viewing than opening-day hype. During festivals, people often watch multiple movies. Light-hearted films like Anaganaga Oka Raju slowly grow through word of mouth and family audiences.