Sankranthi/Pongal 2026 have turned unusually crowded with releases. Not three or four, but as many as seven films, including dubbed titles, are lined up for the festive window across Telugu and Tamil markets. With release dates just days away, one would normally expect aggressive promotions and smooth advance bookings. Instead, several films are still facing last-minute hurdles, creating uncertainty around the entire festive slate.
Here is a closer look at the situation.
The Raja Saab:
Prabhas’ horror-fantasy entertainer, directed by Maruthi, is scheduled to release on January 9, 2026. However, advance bookings are yet to open. The makers have approached the Telangana High Court seeking permission for a ticket price hike and premiere shows. The verdict is expected today, after which ticket sales are likely to begin.
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu:
Chiranjeevi’s collaboration with Anil Ravipudi, positioned as a commercial entertainer, is facing a similar hurdle. The team has also approached the High Court seeking approval for ticket price hikes and premiere shows. The verdict is expected today. The film is slated to hit theatres on January 12, 2026.
Other Telugu Releases
The remaining Telugu films, Ravi Teja’s Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi, Naveen Polishetty’s Anaganaga Oka Raju, and Sharwanand’s Nari Naduma Murai, are yet to release their trailers. With the festival season approaching rapidly, trailers play a crucial role in establishing clarity and generating buzz. The trailer rollout is expected to begin today with Ravi Teja’s film, which could set the momentum for the remaining releases.
Dubbed Films Under Pressure
The uncertainty is not limited to Telugu originals, as dubbed releases are also facing significant issues.
Jana Nayagan:
Touted as Thalapathy Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan has cleared censorship, but the CBFC is yet to issue the certificate due to certain objections. This delay forced the makers to approach the court. Hearings were held yesterday, and the verdict is expected today. With the film just two days away from its planned release, the situation remains tense.
Parasakthi:
Parasakthi’s Telugu release is drawing comparisons with Sivakarthikeyan’s earlier Pongal film Ayalaan. Despite being announced for a theatrical release, Ayalaan never made it to cinemas and eventually arrived directly on OTT nearly two years later. A similar pattern appears to be unfolding with Parasakthi. Telugu promotions are virtually nonexistent, including the absence of a trailer. The makers’ silence raises doubts about their seriousness toward a simultaneous Telugu release, even though the planned release date is January 10, 2026.
At this stage, almost every Sankranthi/Pongal release is dealing with unresolved issues, whether legal, promotional, or certification-related. Whether these hurdles will be cleared in time remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this festive season promises scale and volume, but it is unfolding amid considerable uncertainty.