Festive Box Office Buzz: Big Releases Set For Pongal And Sankranti

The Pongal and Sankranti holidays have traditionally been among the most lucrative windows for Indian cinema, and 2026 is no exception. With multiple high-profile films lined up, theatres are gearing up for packed schedules and audiences are preparing for a festival of entertainment.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Jana Nayagan, starring Udhayanidhi Stalin, is one of the most anticipated Tamil releases this Pongal.  
• Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu, featuring Nandamuri Balakrishna, is set to dominate the Sankranti box office in Telugu states.  
• Other notable releases include family dramas and action-packed entertainers across Tamil and Telugu industries, ensuring variety for audiences.  
• The festive season is expected to boost box office collections significantly, with trade analysts predicting record footfalls.  
• Multiplexes and single-screen theatres are preparing for extended show timings to accommodate demand.  
• Producers have strategically timed these releases to capitalize on the holiday season, a trend that has consistently delivered strong revenues.  
• Audiences can expect a blend of mass entertainers, family-oriented narratives, and star-driven projects, catering to diverse tastes.  
• Industry experts highlight that Pongal and Sankranti remain crucial for regional cinema, often setting the tone for the year’s box office performance.  

The festive releases underline the cultural importance of cinema during Pongal and Sankranti, where films become part of the celebrations. With star power, strategic timing, and audience anticipation converging, the 2026 season is poised to deliver memorable box office moments and reinforce the dominance of Tamil and Telugu cinema in festive markets.  

Sources: Mint, Times of India, The Hindu, Indian Express