The Sankranthi season has always held a unique place in Telugu cinema, where audience sentiment often outweighs opening-day hype and star-driven expectations. Sankranthi 2026 proved this once again, as five Telugu films entered the festive race, each with different scales, stars and storytelling ambitions. Beyond celebratory posters and social media noise, the season’s true winners and losers were decided by sustained footfalls and word of mouth.
Leading the pack wasMana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which marked a decisive commercial comeback for Chiranjeevi. Despite mixed critical responses, the film resonated strongly with family audiences, translating into packed theatres and impressive collections. With over Rs 157 crore in India net collections within the first week and worldwide numbers crossing Rs 220 crore, the film emerged as the festival’s biggest box office force. Director Anil Ravipudi’s understanding of festive entertainment and Chiranjeevi’s return to a comfort zone proved decisive.
Naveen Polishetty’s Anaganaga Oka Rajufollowed a different trajectory. Entering theatres amid intense competition, the film relied on audience trust rather than hype. While celebratory posters claimed lofty milestones, trade figures indicated a steady, profitable run, reinforcing Polishetty’s growing reputation as a dependable crowd-puller.
The season’s most critically acclaimed release wasNari Nari Naduma Murari, starring Sharwanand. With limited screens and modest expectations, the film quietly found favour with audiences through strong writing and performances. It reached break-even swiftly and is now poised for a longer run, underscoring the power of content-led cinema even during crowded festive windows.
On the other hand,Bhartha Mahashayulaku Wignapthistruggled to gain visibility despite positive reviews. Ravi Teja’s film became a casualty of festive congestion, reminding trade watchers how even well-made films can be overshadowed during high-stakes holiday clashes.
The biggest talking point, however, wasThe Raja Saab. Despite a strong opening and pan-India reach, the Prabhas starrer faltered due to negative word of mouth and inconsistent execution. With collections falling far short of its massive budget, the film emerged as Sankranthi 2026’s biggest disappointment, reinforcing the notion that scale alone no longer guarantees success.
In retrospect, Sankranthi 2026 reaffirmed a familiar truth in Telugu cinema: beyond star power, fan wars and inflated posters, audiences continue to reward sincerity, comfort-driven storytelling and emotional connect.
