5 Tamil films to watch in theatres for Pongal 2026: From Theri re-release to Vaa Vaathiyaar
With Jana Nayagan postponed, Pongal 2026 release window has been taken up by other Tamil films that were pending release. Here are everything you can catch on big screens
Last Updated: 01.29 PM, Jan 11, 2026
Now that Jana Nayagan stands postponed and not to be released for Pongal, the vacuum has attracted many other Tamil films to take up the slot. With the sudden re-shuffling of release dates, this festive period has been taken up by some medium-budget films. Here are the Tamil films that you can watch in theatres for the Pongal holidays 2026.
Pongal 2026: What Tamil films are releasing in theatres?
Parasakthi: January 10
The Sivakarthikeyan-starrer period political drama hit theatres on Saturday and is expected to run to capitalise on the Pongal holidays. Written and directed by Sudha Kongara, Parasakthi is about the anti-Hindi agitations led by students in Tamil Nadu in the 1950-60s. Actors Sreeleela, Atharvaa, and Ravi Mohan are also part of the cast.
Theri re-release: January 15
With Vijay’s Jana Nayagan not in the Pongal race anymore, the makers of star’s 2016 action thriller film Theri have decided to re-release it. Directed by Atlee in one of his three collaborations with Vijay, the actor plays police officer Vijay Kumar, who has changed his identity to Joseph Kurivilla and lives a peaceful life with his daughter. However, when his past catches up to him, he must gather strength to protect his loved ones. Theri was a certified blockbuster and features Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Amy Jackson, Nainika, Radhika Sarathkumar and others.
Vaa Vaathiyaar: January 14
Vaa Vaathiyaar is an upcoming Tamil film featuring Karthi in the lead role. While financial and legal hurdles continue to haunt the film, the makers have declared a Pongal release recently. Written and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy. Vaa Vaathiyaar is about an ardent MGR fan who thinks his grandson is a reincarnation of the star. When the grandson grows up to become a fun-loving cop, their dynamics change. Krithi Shetty, Sathyaraj, Rajkiran, Anand Raj, Shilpa Manjunath, Karunakaran, GM Sundar, Ramesh Thilak, PL Thenappan, Vidhya Borgia, Nivas Adthitan, Madhur Mittal and others are in the film.
Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil: January 15
Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil is an upcoming Tamil film starring Jiiva, and directed by Falimy filmmaker Nithish Sahadev. In the film, Jiiva plays a young politician and how he takes charge of conducting a wedding. Touted as a comedy entertainer, it features Thambi Ramaiya, Ilavarasu, Prathana Nathan, Jensen Dhivakar, Jaiwanth, Sarjin Kumar, Rajesh Pandian, Subash Kannan, Amith Mohan, Anuraj OB, Sharath, Savithri and others.
Draupadi 2: January 15
Draupathi 2 is a sequel to filmmaker Mohan G's 2020 film Draupathi. The historical drama will feature Richard Rishi, Rakshana Induchoodan, Natty Natraj, Vela Ramamoorthy, Chirag Jani, Dinesh Lamba, Barani, Deviyani Sharma, Divi, Saravanan Subbiah, and others. Draupathi 2 will talk about the local king dynasty in southern India and how Mughal rulers took over their kingdoms.
Pongal 2026 Tamil films FAQs
Q. What are Tamil films releasing for Pongal 2026?
A. Films like Vaa Vaathiyaar, Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil, Draupathi 2, Theri re-release will be hitting theatres for Pongal 2026.
Q. When is Vaa Vaathiyaar releasing?
A. Vaa Vaathiyaar will hit theatres on January 14.
Q. When is Jana Nayagan releasing?
A. Amid on the ongoing censor row and legal proceedings, Jana Nayagan makers are yet to announce new release date.