Sankranti has always been one of the most competitive and prestigious release windows for Indian cinema, especially in Telugu and Tamil industries. The festival season is known for big stars, lavish productions, family-oriented entertainers, and record-breaking box office clashes. Sankranti 2026 is no different, with a packed lineup of high-profile films across multiple languages. Interestingly, one of the major talking points ahead of the releases is the runtime of these films, which gives a clear indication of the scale, storytelling ambition, and genre choices of the makers.
Leading the pack in terms of length is The Raja Saab, clocking in at a massive 2 hours and 59 minutes. The near three-hour runtime suggests a grand narrative filled with multiple arcs, strong emotional beats, and large-scale set pieces. Given the expectations surrounding the film, the makers seem confident that audiences will stay invested throughout its lengthy duration.
Even surpassing it is Jana Nayagan, which holds the longest runtime among Sankranti 2026 releases at 3 hours and 4 minutes. Such an extended duration is rare in the current era and indicates an epic-style presentation, possibly with a strong socio-political or emotional backbone. The film’s length signals that it aims to deliver a powerful, layered cinematic experience rather than a quick-paced entertainer.
On the more balanced side, MSG comes with a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, while Parasakthi runs for 2 hours and 35 minutes. Both films fall into the ideal commercial zone, offering enough time for character development, drama, and entertainment without feeling overstretched. These durations are often considered safe for festive family audiences.
Shorter and crisper narratives are promised by BMW and Anaganaga Oka Raju, each with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. These films are likely to focus on tight storytelling and fast-paced execution, appealing strongly to younger audiences and repeat viewers.
Meanwhile, NNNM, with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes, sits comfortably between grandeur and brevity, aiming for a well-rounded theatrical experience.
Overall, the runtime details of Sankranti 2026 films highlight a healthy mix of epic-length spectacles and compact entertainers. With such varied durations, audiences can expect diverse storytelling styles, ensuring that this festive season caters to every kind of moviegoer.
