The year 2026 has arrived with a bang, and the Indian entertainment industry is wasting no time. From Thalapathy Vijay’s high-stakes farewell to Prabhas’ horror-comedy and a heavy-duty Republic Day clash, January is packed with blockbusters.
If you are a cinephile looking for the ultimate January 2026 movie release calendar, we have you covered. Here is the complete list of upcoming theatrical and OTT releases that are trending in India right now.
1. The Mega Theatrical Clash: Sankranti & Pongal 2026
The second week of January is traditionally the biggest window for Indian cinema, and 2026 is no different. We are witnessing a "clash of titans" as the South Indian film industries dominate the box office.
(January 9)
Starring Thalapathy Vijay, Jana Nayagan is easily the most talked-about film of the year. Being touted as Vijay's final film before his full-time transition into politics, the hype is unprecedented. Directed by H. Vinoth, this action-thriller is expected to shatter opening-day records across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
(January 9)
The "Rebel Star" Prabhas returns with The Raja Saab, a unique blend of horror, romance, and comedy. Directed by Maruthi, the film showcases Prabhas in a flamboyant, "vintage" avatar that fans have been craving since his Darling days. With a massive Pan-India release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, this is set to be a global grosser.
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (January 12)
Megastar Chiranjeevi joins the festive race with this family entertainer. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, this film is expected to be a treat for the "mass" audience, featuring high-energy dance numbers and classic Chiru-style comedy.
2. Republic Day Special: Patriotic Fervor at the Box Office
As we approach January 26th, Bollywood is bringing out the big guns to celebrate the spirit of India.
Border 2 (January 23)
Nearly three decades after the original cult classic, Sunny Deol returns as Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri. Border 2 features a powerhouse cast including Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh. This film is expected to dominate the Republic Day weekend with its high-octane war sequences and emotional storytelling.
3. New OTT Releases in January 2026: Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar
If you prefer "binging from home," the streaming giants have a stacked lineup for January.
| Title | Platform | Release Date | Genre |
| HAQ | Netflix | January 2 | Courtroom Drama |
| MasterChef India S9 | SonyLIV | January 5 | Reality TV |
| The Night Manager S2 | Prime Video | January 11 | Spy Thriller |
| 120 Bahadur | Prime Video | January 16 | War Drama |
| Tere Ishk Mein | Netflix | January 23 | Romantic Drama |
| Dhurandhar | Netflix | January 31 | Action Thriller |
Must-Watch: The Night Manager Season 2
Following the massive success of the first installment, Tom Hiddleston (and the Indian counterpart starring Anil Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur) returns for a high-stakes finale. Expect more twists, international locations, and sharp espionage.
4. Trending Now: Music and Pop Culture
The Diljit-Hanumankind Collab: The soundtrack for Border 2 is already breaking the internet, especially the track featuring a collaboration between Diljit Dosanjh and the "Big Dawgs" rapper Hanumankind.
Farewell Fever: Social media is currently flooded with #JanaNayagan and #ThalapathyVijay as fans prepare for the actor's final theatrical outing.
Conclusion: Which Movie Will You Watch First?
January 2026 is truly a month of transitions—from the end of a legendary acting career to the return of iconic franchises like Border. Whether you choose the action of the big screen or the thrill of a web series, there is something for everyone.
