Pongal and Sankranti are more than harvest festivals in South India but also a festival of film. This is a time of year for filmmakers to make their most important releases, and they plan around it, in which families come together as the week is marked by festivals and holidays announced, and theaters fill up with audiences. January 2026 will be no different, the lineup is packed with the biggest names in Tamil and Telugu cinema. From Vijay’s goodbye movie Jana Nayagan to Prabhas’ fantasy-horror The Raja Saab, the festive week offers grandeur, variety and entertainment for those who need it.
Jana Nayagan - Jan 9, 2026:
Jana Nayagan is another new film with Thalapathy Vijay scheduled to open on the same date. This film, directed by H. Vinoth, is a big deal because it’s Vijay’s last, and only, and more importantly of all, his goodbye to the cinema before his full-time foray into politics. The protagonist is a regular guy whose story is about an average joe who becomes the man who stands up to injustice and stands as a symbol of defiance. Full of soulful dialogue, depth of feeling and high-octane action, Jana Nayagan is likely to be one of these firsts. They view this as the end of an era, and theatres will likely see record-breaking crowds.
The Raja Saab - Jan 9, 2026:
He’s back on the big screen in The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi. (It has an equally spooky, comedic, and fantasy quality.) As a character ensnared between supernatural forces and human emotion, Prabhas’s presence assures us grand visuals paired with wacky wit. In view of Prabhas’ pan-India appeal, The Raja Saab is likely to outstrip big box offices in all states, turning January 9 into a double celebration for movie lovers.
Parasakthi - January 10, 2026:
The next day, Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi lands with a dash of humor, drama and social commentary. Based on classic Tamil storytelling, the movie showcases everyday hardships while keeping people’s toes glued to the screen. The burgeoning popularity of Sivakarthikeyan will only make this release more of a hit during Pongal, one for family audiences that enjoy socially relevant themes presented in a light-hearted way.
MSG - Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu - January 10, 2026:
Megastar Chiranjeevi plays MSG (Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu), a family entertainer full of emotional tension and festive flavor. They want this film to be for every age, giving it a perfect Sankranti slot. Chiranjeevi’s charisma and onscreen persona will fill theaters; they expect audiences who would get excited for their larger-than-life lives to like the film.
BMW - Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi - January 11, 2026:
January 11 - BMW (Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi) is on screen. While information about the cast and storyline is kept strictly confidential, the film is expected to be youth-centric and explore modern relationships and issues. The stylish title also indicates a modern theme meant for a younger demographic, and it is a release that will be sure to hit a more trendy, urban release mark among this festive package.
Anaganaga Oka Raju - Jan 11, 2026:
Similarly coming soon on Jan. 11 is Anaganaga Oka Raju with Raj Tarun performing as the lead. This romantic comedy promises lighthearted fun and humor with relatable characters. Given its lighthearted tone, which is an improvement from the action and melodrama that characterised the rest of Pongal, is undoubtedly a film that will bring a refreshing change of pace for both its audiences and those who prefer to have something playful and uplifting in their lives!
NNNM - Nari Nari Naduma Murari - Jan 12, 2026:
Closing the festive week is NNNM, which is a mystery thriller film screening on Jan 12 which promises to be both thrilling and suspenseful. This film, with suspense and unexpected twists and the best storytelling technique, will appeal to thrillers people. Nestled at the bottom end of the Pongal series NNNM will be one last attempt to give viewers a chance to appreciate the festival by letting them in their own head at least once more: with no time left before they see it on demand.
Why Pongal Releases Matter?
The Pongal season is another crucial time for the movie industry. It’s not only the holidays at which families descend upon theatres, which leads to high box office collections. As Vijay, Prabhas, Sivakarthikeyan and Chiranjeevi all release films, competition will be fierce. At the same time, the diversity of genres from action thrillers to romantic comedies means audiences have multiple options. It’s this diversity that makes Pongal cinema so special, appealing to every sensibility and tone.
Pongal 2026 is on the cusp of being one of the most exhilarating of the most thrilling festive seasons for cinema for several years. Vijay’s farewell movie Jana Nayagan, Prabhas’ fantasy-horror The Raja Saab and Chiranjeevi’s family entertainer MSG make for powerful, diverse additions to a rich and varied lineup. Combine that with social-minded Parasakthi by Sivakarthikeyan and some of his lighter offerings - think BMW, Anaganaga Oka Raju, and NNNM - and you’ve got a week of cinematic celebrating fans. This Pongal, theatres will not only be places of entertainment but also theaters of nostalgia, emotion and joy. The harvest festival is not going to be remembered only for being tradition but also for the memorable stories the big screen has conveyed.
