Top South Star Heroes Gear Up For Sankranti Showdown
Vijay’s Jana Nayakudu will arrive first, hitting screens on January 9. It’s being positioned as his final film before politics.;
Sankranthi has become one of the busiest times for movie releases in South India. Big names aim to use the holiday season to draw crowds, and the 2026 lineup already looks packed. This time, the competition includes Tamil Actor Vijay, Megastar Chiranjeevi, Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja, and Youthful hero Naveen Polishetty.
Vijay’s Jana Nayagan will arrive first, hitting screens on January 9. It’s being positioned as his final film before politics. While primarily a Tamil release, Vijay has a strong following in Telugu states too. If the film connects, it could do well across both markets.
Chiranjeevi’s Mega 157, directed by Anil Ravipudi, is also in the race. Ravi Teja’s RT76, directed by Kishore Tirumala, adds another mass film to the list. Both actors have a strong presence during the festival season and are aiming for a wide reach.
Anaganaga Oka Raju, starring Naveen Polishetty, is set for a January 14 release. With four films lined up, the Pongal box office will be a crowded space. Who comes out on top is uncertain, but the competition will definitely keep audiences talking.