Sankranthi 2026 Films: Comedy takes centre stage

Once upon a time, Sankranthi releases were synonymous with mass action entertainers. Just two years ago, films like Waltair Veerayya and Veera Narasimha Reddy—both high-octane, action-driven spectacles—ruled the festival box office. However, the trend saw a clear shift last year when Venkatesh’s comedy entertainer Sankranthiki Vasthunnam emerged as a massive blockbuster, while the big-budget action film Game Changer failed to live up to expectations.

Taking the cue, Sankranthi 2026 is all set to be dominated by comedy. Interestingly, all five Telugu films lined up for the festive release share a common thread: an overdose of humour-driven storytelling. The Raja Saab, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi, Nari Nari Naduma Murari, and Anaganaga Oka Raju are hitting the theaters this Sankranthi 2026 season.

The Raja Saab: Comedy-heavy first half

Prabhas-starrer “The Raja Saab” is positioned as a horror-comedy, but insiders reveal that the film’s first half is packed with comedy and glamour. The genre shift reportedly happens only towards the climax. Director Maruthi, known for his strong grip on entertainment, has apparently invested major effort in keeping the narrative light and humorous for most of the runtime.

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu: Chiru–Venky combo brings the laughs

With Anil Ravipudi at the helm, entertainment is a given. “Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu” banks heavily on comedy, which has always been the director’s biggest strength. While his style often divides opinion, there’s no denying that his films work big time when the comic portions strike a chord. Featuring Megastar Chiranjeevi in the lead and Venkatesh in a special cameo during the final half-hour, this film promises the highest dose of comedy seen in a Chiranjeevi film in recent years.

Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi: Ravi Teja’s vintage fun

Starring Ravi Teja, “Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi” is a family entertainer built on the classic template of a man caught between two women—his wife and his lover. Director Kishore Tirumala has reportedly infused the narrative with plenty of humour while presenting Ravi Teja in a more restrained, classy avatar, aiming to recreate his vintage entertainment charm.

Anaganaga Oka Raju: Naveen Polishetty is the USP

With Naveen Polishetty in the lead, “Anaganaga Oka Raju” naturally leans heavily on comedy. Often compared to a new-age Allari Naresh, Naveen’s impeccable comic timing was the backbone of the blockbuster Jathi Ratnalu. If he manages to bring back the same swagger and energy, this film could turn out to be a full-fledged laugh riot.

Nari Nari Naduma Murari: The underdog comedy

Despite low buzz due to Sharwanand’s recent box-office setbacks, “Nari Nari Naduma Murari” is quietly positioning itself as a fun-filled entertainer. Following the familiar trope of a man stuck between two women, early promos and inside reports suggest that the film relies heavily on situational comedy, making it a potential surprise package this Sankranthi.