Kiccha Jr Sanchith’s debut feature Mango Pachcha to skip the Sankranti race? Here’s what we know

Kiccha Sudeep’s nephew Sanchith Sanjeev’s debut film as an actor, Mango Pachcha, was announced as the Sankranti Kannada film release, but with a little over a week to go, there’s no sign of it.

Sanchith Sanjeev in Mango Pachcha

In mid-November last year, the team of debutant actor Sanchith Sanjeev’s launchpad Mango Pachcha had announced that the film would be in theatres for Sankranti 2026, a festival that is typically avoided by Kannada films to make way for the biggies from Tamil and Telugu. In the past, Daali Dhananjaya had tried to change that narrative with a home production, but with little success, and Mango Pachcha was meant to be the next to fight for a space at the box office in Karnataka.

Sanchith Sanjeev's Mango Pachcha to skip Sankranti 2026

Since the release date announcement, though, there’s not been much by way of promotions, which sparked speculation that the film may not make it to theatres for the first festival of the year. Mango Pachcha had been earmarked as a January 15, 2026 release, only 5-6 days after biggies like Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, Prabhas’ The Raja Saab and Sivakarthikeyan’s Parashakti. Jana Nayagan is a KVN Productions venture, meaning that prime theatres that 45 held will be allocated to Vijay’s film. The Raja Saab, meanwhile, is being distributed by Salaar makers Hombale Films, which will also account for a sizeable share of the available screens.

Also read: Sanchith Sanjeev: Mango Pachcha is my love letter to…

Both these films are unlikely to part with screens in less than a week, with a major chunk of what’s left expected to be held by Parashakti. This would have meant an uphill battle for Sanchith’s film, but it seems that the makers are not going to risk this. Following industry buzz about a potential postponement, OTTplay checked in with production banner KRG Studios and was told that Mango Pachcha will not release on January 15. It will target a late February outing, instead, on the 20th or 27th, said Karthik Gowda, citing delays in post-production as the reason for the postponement. A confirmation on the new date is expected shortly.

On January 15, Mango Pachcha would have got a solo release as far as Kannada films go, despite the heavy competition from the other language biggies. In February, it may not have to contend with such competitors, but there will be Kannada films like JC – The University, Alpha, Rakkasapuradhol, among others.

Mango Pachcha FAQs

Q. Who is Sanchith Sanjeev?

A. Sanchith Sanjeev is an aspiring filmmaker and actor. He made his directorial debut as co-director on the film Ambi Ning Vayassayatho, starring the late Rebel Star, Ambareesh. Sanchith will make his acting debut with the upcoming Kannada crime drama, Mango Pachcha.

Q. Is Sanchith Sanjeev related to Kiccha Sudeep?

A. Yes, Sanchith and Sudeep are related. Sudeep is Sanchith's maternal uncle, i.e. the Kannada superstar is Sanchith's mother's brother. The young actor has been bestowed with the title Jr Kichcha on this account.

Q. When will Mango Pachcha release?

A. Mango Pachcha was meant to be a Sankranti 2026 release and hit theatres on January 15, 2026, but it is being postponed owing to delays in post-production. It is expected to release in late February, with a new date to be announced shortly.

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