The festival of Sankranti has always been the most lucrative window for Telugu cinema, but 2026 is taking the competition to a new level. Fans are bracing for a massive clash as The Raja Saab, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, and Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi gear up to dominate the big screens.
Sankranti 2026 Release Calendar & Movie Details
| Movie Title | Lead Actor | Director | Release Date | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Raja Saab | Prabhas | Maruthi | January 9, 2026 | Horror-Fantasy Comedy |
| Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu | Chiranjeevi | Anil Ravipudi | January 12, 2026 | Family Action Entertainer |
| Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi | Ravi Teja | Kishore Tirumala | January 13, 2026 | Romantic Family Comedy |
| Anaganaga Oka Raju | Naveen Polishetty | Maari | January 14, 2026 | Comedy Entertainer |
1. The Raja Saab: Prabhas’ Horror-Fantasy Debut
Kicking off the season on January 9, Prabhas stars in The Raja Saab, a unique blend of horror and comedy directed by Maruthi. After his high-octane action roles, “Darling” fans are excited to see him in a more fun, energetic avatar. The film features a massive ensemble including Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Sanjay Dutt. With the “Nache Nache” remix (Bappi Lahiri tribute) trending, the buzz is at an all-time high.
2. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu: The Megastar’s Return
Megastar Chiranjeevi arrives on January 12 with a film titled after his own birth name. Directed by Sankranti specialist Anil Ravipudi, this movie promises to be a “wholesome family entertainer.” With Nayanthara as the lead and a special cameo by Venkatesh Daggubati, this film is positioned to capture the family audience that typically flocks to theaters during the holidays.
Note: Chiranjeevi’s other project, the socio-fantasy ‘Vishwambhara’, has been moved to a Summer 2026 release to ensure high-quality VFX.
3. Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi (BMW): Ravi Teja’s Comeback
Ravi Teja joins the race on January 13 with Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi. Directed by Kishore Tirumala, the film is a humorous take on marriage and relationships. Following a string of mass-action films, Ravi Teja is returning to his comic and emotional roots. The festive track “Vaammo Vaayyo” is already a hit on social media, signaling a strong reception for this “Mass Maharaja” entertainer.
Who Will Win the Sankranti 2026 War?
While The Raja Saab has the advantage of a massive Pan-India opening and a 3-day head start, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has the “Anil Ravipudi factor,” a director who has never missed a Sankranti hit. Meanwhile, Ravi Teja’s BMW could emerge as the “dark horse” if the comedy connects with the rural audience.
Poll: Which movie are you watching first this Sankranti? Let us know in the comments!
Also Read: Thanuja Puttaswamy (Gowda) 2026 Biography & Bigg Boss Updates
