Sankranthi has always been a crucial season for Tollywood, known for hosting blockbuster releases and accommodating multiple films. The 2025 season witnessed an exciting clash between Daaku Maharaaj, Game Changer, and Sankranthiki Vastunnam, proving yet again that the Telugu audience welcomes multiple big films during the festive period. As we move toward Sankranthi 2026, the competition is already shaping up with major stars and promising projects set to battle at the box office.Though official announcements are yet to come for some films, at least five big projects are currently in the race for release in January 2026. The only confirmed movie so far is Chiranjeevi’s next film with director Anil Ravipudi. However, several other anticipated films featuring NTR, Raviteja, Venkatesh, and Naveen Polishetty are also eyeing the Sankranthi window.
Confirmed and Expected Sankranthi 2026 Releases
The first official Sankranthi 2026 release is Chiranjeevi’s untitled project directed by Anil Ravipudi. Ravipudi is fresh off the success of Sankranthiki Vastunnam, which emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of 2025. Given his track record of delivering commercial entertainers, his collaboration with Chiranjeevi is expected to be a full-fledged comedy-action entertainer that will cater to a wide audience.Apart from Chiranjeevi’s film, another major contender in the Sankranthi 2026 lineup is the NTR-Neel project, produced by Mythri Movie Makers. While an official confirmation is pending, the release strategy will depend on NTR’s other ongoing projects. With the massive expectations surrounding this film, a Sankranthi release would align with the festival season’s demand for high-energy action entertainers.
Another film that is likely to join the race is Anaganaga Oka Raju, starring Naveen Polishetty. This film, featuring the talented Meenakshi Chaudhary as the female lead, is expected to bring a refreshing mix of comedy and drama. Given Naveen Polishetty’s growing fanbase and his knack for choosing unique scripts, Anaganaga Oka Raju could stand out as a youthful entertainer during the festival season.Adding to the competition, Raviteja’s film with director Kishore Tirumala, produced by SLV Cinemas, is also reportedly planning a Sankranthi release. Raviteja’s mass appeal and his ability to draw crowds during festival seasons make this an exciting addition to the lineup. Kishore Tirumala’s storytelling combined with Raviteja’s high-energy screen presence could make this a must-watch for fans.Another major film eyeing the Sankranthi slot is Venkatesh’s next project with director Surender Reddy. Produced by Lakshmi Narasimha Productions, this film is still in the early stages of production, but sources indicate that the team is targeting a January 2026 release. Venkatesh has a strong track record of Sankranthi releases, and with Surender Reddy’s action-packed direction style, this project is expected to generate considerable buzz.
What to Expect from the Sankranthi 2026 Box Office Clash
With multiple high-profile films competing for screens, Sankranthi 2026 is shaping up to be a box office spectacle. The final release lineup will depend on production schedules, post-production timelines, and industry negotiations. However, having a mix of big-budget action entertainers, comedy dramas, and youthful entertainers ensures that audiences will have a variety of choices during the festive period.Chiranjeevi’s film is expected to dominate the family audience segment, while NTR’s action-packed film could appeal to mass moviegoers. Naveen Polishetty’s Anaganaga Oka Raju may bring freshness to the lineup, while Raviteja’s and Venkatesh’s projects will cater to their respective fanbases. If all these films make it to theaters as planned, the 2026 Sankranthi season could surpass previous years in terms of box office numbers and audience excitement.While the official announcements for some films are still awaited, one thing is certain—Sankranthi 2026 will be an unmissable season for Tollywood fans. With power-packed performances, high-energy action sequences, and engaging storytelling, the festive season promises a cinematic feast like never before.
