Sankranthi 2026: NTR and Vijay set for a Box Office battle

The stage is set for an epic showdown at the box office during Sankranthi 2026, as some of South Indian cinema’s biggest stars lock horns with their high-profile releases. The festival, known for delivering record-breaking hits, is now gearing up for a monumental clash between NTR and Thalapathy Vijay, sending fans into a frenzy.

NTR and Prashanth Neel’s film

The first film to stake its claim on Sankranthi 2026 was the much-anticipated NTR and Prashanth Neel collaboration. The yet-to-be-titled action spectacle had already announced its release date as January 9, 2026, well in advance. With Neel officially commencing filming, Jr. NTR is set to join the sets from April 1, signaling the start of what is expected to be a pan-India blockbuster.

Vijay joins the race with ‘Jana Nayagan’

However, the competition just got a lot fiercer. Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’, directed by H. Vinoth, has now locked in the same release date—January 9, 2026. This marks a crucial moment in Vijay’s career, as the film will be his final cinematic outing before he fully transitions into politics.

Releasing just ahead of Makar Sankranti and Pongal (January 14, 2026), Jana Nayagan is positioned to capitalize on the festive fervor. Pongal has historically been Vijay’s stronghold, with many of his biggest blockbusters arriving during this period. With a massive fan base, a five-day festive weekend, and high political stakes, the film is expected to set the box office ablaze.

Will NTR change release date?

This unexpected scheduling has now put Jr. NTR in a difficult position. His pan-India films enjoy a strong market across the South, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, but clashing with Vijay—especially in Tamil Nadu—could significantly impact the film’s revenue. Even in North America, a crucial overseas market, Jana Nayagan could dominate screen allocations, forcing Neel and NTR to reconsider their strategy.

With massive investments riding on both projects, the big question now is: Will NTR reschedule his film to avoid a direct face-off with Vijay? Industry experts believe that a shift in release date could be a strategic move, but for now, all eyes are on the makers’ next decision.

Vijay’s final film

Adding another layer of intrigue, Jana Nayagan holds immense significance for Vijay’s political aspirations. The superstar recently launched his political party, TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam), and has announced his candidacy for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, scheduled for the summer. With just three months before voters head to the polls, Jana Nayagan is seen as more than just a film—it’s a powerful political statement aimed at boosting his electoral prospects.

With two of South India’s biggest icons colliding on the same date, Sankranthi 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster battle like never before. One thing is certain—Sankranthi 2026 will be a date to remember.