The Sankranthi of 2026 didn't just bring kites and muggulu; it brought a chaotic, high-stakes showdown at the Tollywood box office that basically reset everyone's expectations. If you’re hunting for good new Telugu movies, you've probably noticed that the "big" films aren't always the best ones this season. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess. We have Prabhas trying horror, Chiranjeevi leaning back into family comedy, and a bunch of mid-range actors like Naveen Polishetty and Sharwanand quietly stealing the limelight.
It's wild. One day you're watching a 300-crore spectacle that feels like a VFX demo, and the next, a small-budget comedy makes you laugh until your stomach hurts.
The Sankranthi Heavyweights: Hits, Misses, and Everything In Between
Let's talk about The Raja Saab. This was supposed to be the "Royal" comeback for Prabhas after the gritty Salaar era. Directed by Maruthi, it promised a blend of horror, comedy, and romance. It opened massive—we’re talking 63 crore worldwide on Day 1—but the word on the street is... mixed. While Prabhas looks incredibly breezy and charming (finally!), the "horror" part feels a bit dated. Some fans love the vintage vibe, others find it "cringe." It’s basically a movie for the die-hards who just want to see their Darling smile again.
Then you have the Megastar. Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is arguably the safer bet if you’re out with your entire family. Anil Ravipudi, who basically has a PhD in "Sankranthi Blockbusters," directed this one. Chiru plays an NSG officer caught in a messy marriage with Nayanthara’s character, Sasirekha. It’s got that signature Ravipudi humor—loud, fast, and occasionally goofy—but it’s pulling numbers. It crossed $1 million in the US premieres alone.
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But wait. There’s a sleeper hit.
Anaganaga Oka Raju starring Naveen Polishetty is currently the talk of the town. Released on January 14, it’s a comedy-thriller that proves timing is everything. Naveen’s energy is infectious. Even though the second half drags a little, the first hour is pure gold. If you want a good new Telugu movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, this is it.
The Mid-Range Mastery
- Nari Nari Naduma Murari: Sharwanand is back in his comfort zone. It's a classic "sandwich drama" where he’s stuck between his boss (who is also his ex) and his current fiancé. It’s familiar territory, but Sharwanand’s subtle acting makes it work.
- Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi: Ravi Teja’s latest. It’s doing okay, but it’s struggling against the Chiranjeevi wave. It's your typical Mass Maharaja flick—fun but forgettable.
Why The "Big Scale" Isn't Always Better
There is a growing fatigue with the "Pan-India" label. We see it with films like Akhanda 2: Thaandavam. While Nandamuri Balakrishna (NBK) continues to defy logic and gravity with his high-octane action, these films are becoming niche. They are theatrical experiences, sure, but do they stay with you?
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Contrast that with something like Om Shanti Shanti Shanti, arriving late January. It's a native spin on the Malayalam hit Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, starring Tharun Bhascker and Eesha Rebba. Early buzz suggests it’s a grounded, hilarious take on domestic life. That’s where the "good" movies are hiding—in the scripts that care more about characters than green screens.
What’s Dropping Soon? (The 2026 Calendar)
If you've already exhausted the January releases, the next few months look stacked. But be careful—hype is a double-edged sword.
| Movie Title | Expected Date | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Swayambhu | Feb 13, 2026 | Nikhil Siddhartha in a legendary period drama. The visuals look insane. |
| Dacoit | March 19, 2026 | Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur. Sesh rarely misses with his scripts. |
| The Paradise | March 26, 2026 | Nani is teaming up with Srikanth Odela again. Expect raw, gritty intensity. |
| Peddi | March 27, 2026 | Ram Charan's big sports drama. After Game Changer, he needs this. |
Peddi is a massive talking point. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana (of Uppena fame), it’s a sports drama that has already gone viral because of a single shot of Charan playing cricket. It’s got Shiva Rajkumar and Janhvi Kapoor too. This could be the film that actually defines 2026 for Tollywood.
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The OTT Shift: Where to Watch?
Not everyone wants to deal with the 100% occupancy and "paper-throwing" crowds in theatres. If you're looking for good new Telugu movies on streaming platforms, the window is shrinking.
- Netflix: Anaganaga Oka Raju has already been confirmed for a post-theatrical run here. Also, Akhanda 2 just dropped on Netflix on January 9 for those who missed the temple-shattering action in cinemas.
- Prime Video: Keep an eye out for Balti. It’s a gritty sports drama set on the Tamil-Kerala border, and though it’s a bilingual, the Telugu version is getting great reviews for its realism.
- ZEE5: They just released Mask, a crime thriller starring Kavin and Andrea Jeremiah. It’s fast-paced and perfect for a weekend binge.
My Take on the "Good Movie" Criteria
Honestly? A good movie in 2026 isn't just about the budget. We’ve seen 300-crore films flop and 10-crore films become cult classics. The Telugu audience is getting smarter. We want logic. We want emotional depth. We want more movies like The Paradise and less of the "template" mass films that recycled the same four plot points for the last decade.
If you’re deciding what to watch this weekend, look at the director. A filmmaker like Tharun Bhascker or Adivi Sesh is a safer bet than a massive star with a weak script.
Actionable Steps for Your Movie Marathon
- Check the "No Price Hike" Screenings: For movies like Nari Nari Naduma Murari, many theatres are avoiding the "blockbuster" surcharge. It’s cheaper and often a better viewing experience.
- Wait for Day 3: In the age of social media, "Day 1" is usually just fan hype. If a movie is still holding strong by Monday, it’s actually good.
- Explore the "Dubbed" Gems: Don't ignore the Telugu dubbed versions of Tamil or Malayalam films. Jana Nayakudu (the dubbed version of Jana Nayagan) is gaining a lot of traction for its political commentary.
- Follow the Composers: In Tollywood, the music often tells you if the movie is a hit before the trailer even drops. If Anirudh or Thaman are giving their best, the producers usually have a winner on their hands.
Don't just follow the crowd to the biggest theater. Sometimes the best stories are the ones playing in the smallest screen in the corner of the multiplex. Keep an eye on the February lineup, especially Swayambhu, as it might just be the visual spectacle that actually delivers on its promises.