The Tamil cinema is all set to witness an electrifying battle on the silver screen during the Pongal season of 2026, with indications that Suriya’s highly awaited movie Karuppu will be released around the same time as Thalapathy Vijay’s great cinematic exit, Jana Nayagan. With both movies aiming at the festival window of Pongal, a traditionally peak release season for Tamil cinema, fans are anticipating an epic box office battle that could redefine Kollywood’s festive season in 2026. With both movies aiming at the festival window of Pongal, a traditionally peak release season for Tamil cinema, fans are anticipating an epic box office battle that could redefine Kollywood’s festive season in 2026.
Karuppu: Suriya’s Big Comeback Bid
Following disappointments with Kanguva and Retro, Suriya is pinning his comeback hopes on Karuppu, helmed by RJ Balaji. The movie, which has completed shooting and is in post-production now, has created maximum buzz for its interesting premise and talented cast featuring Trisha as the heroine and tunes by Sai Abhyankar. Originally announced for Diwali 2025 release, the latest reports indicate the producers are now planning Pongal 2026 to ride on the festive season’s enormous box office value.
Jana Nayagan: Vijay’s Grand Farewell
Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, is certified for January 9, 2026, release, well in time for the Pongal celebrations. Promised to be Vijay’s last movie before he goes full-time political with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political action thriller has already generated huge curiosity. With its all-star cast comprising Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Prakash Raj, and others, Jana Nayagan is all set to be a grand film spectacle, with its first-look poster featuring Vijay in a charismatic, crowd-stopping avatar.
Adding to the suspense, Parasakthi of Sivakarthikeyan directed by Sudha Kongara is also said to be aiming for Pongal 2026, with producer Aakash Baskaran drop-ping a hint of release through a cryptic X post: “This Pongal”
Suriya fans are worried because his last two films Kanguva and Retro were not successful, and a head-on collision with biggies like Vijay and Sivakarthikeyan would be risky. Some reports claim that Karuppu’s gang is still deliberating whether to hold on to Diwali 2025 or gamble on Pongal.
What’s Next for Karuppu
So far, the Karuppu team has not officially announced its release date, leaving scope for speculation regarding whether they stick to Pongal or go back to Diwali. For Suriya, whose last few films have been criticized, Karuppu is a critical moment to recapture his box office roar. A clash with Jana Nayagan could either make the film’s visibility more or risk being overshadowed by Vijay’s farewell extravaganza.
