With 2026 here, Tamil cinema promises some interesting films this year, and we list down the much anticipated biggies to hit theatres

Last Updated: 01.46 PM, Jan 02, 2026
Now that we have entered 2026 and it’s been a couple of days already, its time to look into what are some of the biggies to expect this year. Many Tamil films have already announced their release dates, while other big-ticket titles are yet to lock a date. Here are some of the much-anticipated Tamil films that are expected to hit big screens this year.

Jana Nayagan is the first major Tamil film to hit theatres this year. One of the most-anticipated releases, Jana Nayagan stars Vijay in the lead role. Billed to be actor’s final film before he joins full-time politics, Jana Nayagan is directed by H Vinoth in his first collaboration with the star. The cast of the film also includes Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, Priyamani, Gautham Menon, Narain and others. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, Jana Nayagan is rumoured to be a remake of Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari.

Parasakthi is a period drama headlined by Sivakarthikeyan and directed by filmmaker Sudha Kongara. A film which is said to be a mix of true events and fiction, Parasakthi is set the 1960s. The cast includes Sreeleela in her Tamil debut, Atharvaa, and Ravi Mohan as the antagonist. GV Prakash has scored the music. Parasakthi marks Sivakarthikeyan’s 25thfilm.

Jailer 2, the sequel to the 2023 Rajinikanth film, is currently under production. The film is directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, and is expected to be an equally star-studded affair. With actors Shivarajkumar, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Mohanlal returning, Jailer 2 will also have new cast members like Mithun Chakraborty, Nora Fatehi, and many more exciting names. The story is said to be both prequel and sequel to the first film.

Karuppu is a courtroom drama with divine intervention film which will feature Suriya in the lead role. Written and directed by RJ Balaji who will also double up playing antagonist, Karuppu will feature Trisha as a female lead. Actors Natty Subramaniam, Swasika, Sshivada, Supreeth Reddy and Yogi Babu, will be appearing in supporting roles and Sai Abhyankkar will be scoring the music.

The yet-to-be titled film starring Dhanush in the lead role, and is written and directed by Vignesh Raja who made his debut with the 2023 crime thriller Por Thozhil. With the shooting wrapped up, D54 updates are expected to drop sooner, including the title and a release date in 2026. Not much about the plot of the film has been revealed by the makers, but promises a gripping film with actors Mamitha Baiju, KS Ravikumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunas, Jayaram, and Pritivi Pandiraj, onboard. The music for D54 is scored by GV Prakash.

After delivering 100-crore success with Dragon and Dude last year, Pradeep Rangananthan will be coming with Love Insurance Kompany, a futuristic romantic drama. Directed by Vignesh Shivan and music scored by Anirudh Ravichander, LIK also stars Krithi Shetty, SJ Suryah, Seeman, Gouri Kishan and others. Love Insurance Kompany will be set far into the future, when relationships have evolved far beyond imagination and what it means to be in love amid the many new concepts introduced.

Mookuthi Amman 2 is upcoming fantasy drama sequel in which Nayanthara will return reprising the titular role. The second part will be directed by Sundar C, and stars Urvashi, Regina Cassandra, Sneha, Meena and others.

Benz is an upcoming action drama film, which will serve as the next instalment in the LCU franchise. Written by Lokesh Kanagaraj and directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. The film will feature Raghava Lawrence in the lead role, and Nivin Pauly as the antagonist, introducing both the actors for the first time into the LCU world. Sai Abhyankkar is scoring the music.

Sardar 2 is a spy action thriller, sequel to PS Mithran and Karthi’s film. The duo will be reuniting for the sequel, with new cast members onboard, including Malavika Mohanan, SJ Suryah, Ashika Ranganath and others. Rajisha Vijayan will be returning for Sardar 2, which is touted to be an actioner made on a grand budget. Sam CS is scoring the music.

Arasan is an upcoming gangster actioner film helmed by Vetrimaaran. The film stars Silambarasan in the lead role, and is set in the Vada Chennai universe. With actor Vijay Sethupathi also appearing in an important role, Arasan is one of the most expected films of the year. Anirudh Ravichander is scoring the music.
Q. What movie will release in 2026?
A. Tamil movies like Jana Nayagan, Parasakthi, Jailer 2, will release in 2026.
Q. Will 2026 be a big year for movies?
A. With big titles and star films lined up for releases in 2026, the year is expected to be good.