Five-day gap between Chiranjeevi and Prabhas’s big releases!

Clarity has finally emerged on the Sankranthi 2026 clash between Prabhas and Chiranjeevi. Two of the most-awaited Telugu films — The Raja Saab and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu — were initially expected to battle head-on at the box office. However, the makers have now worked out a strategy to avoid a direct clash.

While the festival season can comfortably accommodate two or even three big releases, opening day numbers often get affected in a head-to-head fight. To ensure both films enjoy strong runs, the producers have decided to space out the releases.

As confirmed by producer TG Vishwa Prasad, Prabhas’s “The Raja Saab” will release first on January 9, 2026, taking advantage of the long holiday period. Five days later, on January 14, 2026, Megastar Chiranjeevi’s “Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu” will hit theaters, perfectly timed with the festival day itself.

Interestingly, director Anil Ravipudi’s “Sankranthiki Vasthunnam” also released on January 14 this year and turned into a massive blockbuster. The makers are hoping to repeat the same success formula with Chiranjeevi’s film.

Meanwhile, “The Raja Saab” is progressing with its production, with European song schedules lined up for October. On the other hand, “Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu” is racing against time, aiming to wrap up filming before the New Year.