As 2025 comes to an end, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation for what's to come in this upcoming year, with Jana Nayagan heralding the enthusiasm. Here are 13 most-anticipated Tamil films of 2026.
Vijay's swansong, Jana Nayagan is helmed by H Vinoth and also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Priyamani, Gautham Vasudev Menon and Prakash Raj, among others. Set to hit theatres on January 9, the film is set to feature Vijay as a police officer.
The Sudha Kongara directorial stars Sivakarthikeyan, Sreeleela, Ravi Mohan and Atharvaa in lead roles. Set to hit theatres on January 10, the film will deal with the anti-Hindi protests that took place in Tamil Nadu in 1960.
A sequel to 2023's Jailer, Jailer 2 is also helmed by Nelson, and stars Rajinikanth once again as "Tiger" Muthuvel Pandian. Ramya Krishnan, Shivarajkumar, Vidya Balan and Mithun Chakraborty, among others, are set to be seen in the sequel. While the plot details are yet to be revealed, the film is set to open in theatres on June 12.
Set in the world of Vada Chennai, Arasan is undoubtedly much-awaited for both Silambarasan who was last seen in Thug Life and Vetri Maaran who last helmed Viduthalai Part 2. Cast, plot and release date details are under wraps, but Silambarasan plays a rugged younger character, and a different older character as revealed by the first teaser glimpse.
Dhanush had a hectic 2025, and his schedule for 2026 looks similar. With a bunch of films in his pipeline, the Tere Ishk Mein actor's D54, with director Vignesh Raja of Por Thozhil fame, is the most awaited at the moment. The film, also starring Mamitha Baiju, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunas, KS Ravikumar, Prithvi and Pandiarajan, among others, is scheduled for a February release.
Suriya's film with RJ Balaji, Karuppu, was expected to hit theatres this year, but was pushed to 2026. With Suriya having his 46th with Venky Atluri and 47th with Jithu Madhavan in his slate, all eyes are on his 45th, also starring Trisha, Yogi Babu, Indrans, Sshivada, Swasika, Natty, Supreeth Reddy, and Anagha Maya Ravi, among others. A release date for the film is awaited.
Announced to hit theatres three times this year, LIK is postponed to 2026. With Vignesh Shivan promising a futuristic world, the curiosity surrounding what the Pradeep Ranganathan-starrer has to offer is high. The film also stars Krithi Shetty, SJ Suryah, Gouri Kishan, Yogi Babu, and Seeman, and is currently scheduled to open in February.
Vishal's 35th film, Magudam joins the list as it is not only headlined but also directed by the actor. Ravi Arasu was initially the director but later stepped down due to unknown reasons. Having wrapped filming, the film, also starring Dushara Vijayan, Anjali, and Yogi Babu, is gearing up for release next year.
Karthi, last seen in the critically acclaimed Meiyazhagan in 2024, was expecting the release of Nalan Kumarasamy's Vaa Vaathiyaar, co-starring Krithi Shetty this year, but the film has been postponed. Also in his pipeline is Sardar 2, helmed by PS Mithran, and featuring him alongside Rajisha Vijayan. He is currently busy filming for Tamizh's Marshal also featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan. All of these films are eagerly anticipated, but their release order is yet to be disclosed.
With Sundar C's Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan collaboration no longer happening, his upcoming sequel, Mookuthi Amman 2, taking over the helming reigns from RJ Balaji has quite the expectations. Nayanthara reprises her role along with new additions, Duniya-fame Vijay, Regina Cassandra, Suneel and more. With the shooting recently completed, a release date is yet to be revealed.
Lokesh Kanagaraj films are usually anticipated year-on-year, but this time it is not one of his directorials, it is his acting debut, Helmed by Arun Matheswaran, DC also stars Wamiqa Gabbi. While plot details are skimpy, the film is billed to be a romantic action thriller.
Helmed by Vishnu Edavan, Hi stars Kavin and Nayanthara in lead roles. A family entertainer, it marks the directorial debut of the lyricist. With Kavin giving films consistently year-on-year, this film is turning a few heads.