From Vijay’s Jana Nayagan to Prabhas’ The Raja Saab: Biggest South Indian Films Releasing This Pongal 2026

Jana Nayagan – Vijay’s Emotional Farewell to Cinema

Jana Nayagan stands tall as one of the most awaited releases of the season. Directed by H Vinoth, the film is expected to mark Vijay’s final theatrical release before he steps into politics full-time.

The film is tentatively slated for a January 9, 2026 release, although the final date will depend on an upcoming court verdict. Regardless, the buzz surrounding the project is massive, with fans preparing for an emotional send-off to one of Tamil cinema’s biggest icons.

The ensemble cast adds further weight to the project, featuring Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani in pivotal roles. Early trends from advance bookings suggest strong opening numbers, indicating that theatres could witness record-breaking footfalls.

For Vijay’s fans, Jana Nayagan is more than just a film — it is a celebration of a career that spanned decades and defined generations of cinema lovers.

The Raja Saab – Prabhas Brings Festival Entertainment

Joining the festive rush is Prabhas’ The Raja Saab, which is scheduled to hit cinemas just ahead of Pongal week on January 9, 2026.

Directed by Maruthi, the film promises a refreshing blend of horror, fantasy and comedy, a genre combination rarely explored at this scale. Designed as a full-fledged festival entertainer, The Raja Saab aims to attract family audiences and mass viewers alike.

The film boasts a strong supporting cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar and Zarina Wahab. With Prabhas’ pan-India appeal and the film’s unique theme, expectations are high for a solid box-office run.

Pongal 2026: A Festival Made for the Big Screen

Pongal and Sankranti have traditionally been peak seasons for South Indian cinema, and 2026 looks no different. The clash of a sentimental farewell film and a genre-bending entertainer ensures something for every kind of moviegoer.

Trade experts believe that the holiday window, combined with star power and strong pre-release buzz, could result in one of the biggest festive box-office seasons in recent years.

Final Word

With Jana Nayagan carrying emotional significance and The Raja Saab promising festive fun, Pongal 2026 is set to deliver unforgettable cinematic moments. For fans, families and festival crowds, the big screen will once again become the heart of celebration.