In an extravaganza set to light up the Pongal weekend, audiences are in for a treat as eight highly anticipated films prepare to hit theaters. From suspenseful thrillers to heartwarming family dramas, the diverse lineup promises something for everyone, ensuring a festive cinematic celebration.

1. Merry Christmas:

Genre: Thriller
Release Date: January 12
Cast: Katrina Kaif, Vijay Sethupathi
Synopsis: Directed by Sriram Raghavan, “Merry Christmas” unfolds on the night of December 24, blending suspense and thriller elements. The narrative intricately weaves the lives of two individuals, played by Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, in a tale of unexpected twists and turns, promising an engaging blend of Bollywood and South Indian cinema.

2. Guntur Karam:

Genre: Family Drama, Action, Comedy
Release Date: January 12
Cast: Mahesh Babu, Sreeleela, Jagapathi Babu, Meenakshi Choudhary, Ramya Krishnan, Prakash Raj
Synopsis: Trivikram Srinivas directs this family-centric action-comedy, “Guntur Karam.” The story revolves around a young boy estranged from his family since childhood, seeking reconnection. Filled with humor, action, and heartfelt moments, Mahesh Babu leads a star-studded cast through a delightful mix of family dynamics and political intrigue.

3. Captain Miller:

Genre: Period Action
Release Date: January 12
Cast: Dhanush, Sudeep Kishan, Priyanka Mohan
Synopsis: “Captain Miller,” a period action film directed by Arun Matheswaran, takes audiences back to the 1930s-40s. Dhanush portrays a character transitioning from the British Army to rebellion. The movie promises a visually spectacular journey filled with historical drama, action-packed sequences, and emotional depth as the protagonist navigates a tumultuous era.

4. Ayalan:

Genre: Science Fiction
Release Date: January 12
Cast: Shiva Karthikeyan, Rakul Preet Singh, Sharad Kelkar, Isha Koppikar, Bhanu Priya
Synopsis: Directed by R Ravi Kumar, “Ayalan” unfolds as a captivating science-fiction narrative. Shiva Karthikeyan leads the cast in a tale of an alien forming bonds with humans on Earth. The film explores the challenges the alien faces as certain individuals attempt to capture it for research purposes, promising an imaginative and visually stunning journey into the realms of sci-fi wonder.

5. Hanuman:

Genre: Pan-India Film, Superhero
Release Date: January 12
Cast: Teja Sajja, Amrita Iyer, Vinay Rai, Varalaxmi Sharatkumar
Synopsis: Prashant Verma’s “Hanuman” unfolds as a pan-India superhero film. Teja Sajja takes on the role of an ordinary man bestowed with superpowers connected to Lord Hanuman. The narrative explores his challenges and triumphs in protecting his newfound abilities, promising an exhilarating cinematic experience with epic battles and a journey of self-discovery.

6. Shaved Rockstar:

Genre: Drama
Release Date: January 12
Cast: Yuvraj Hans, Aditi Arya, Mohammad Nizam, Pritam Pyare
Synopsis: Directed by Satyajit Puri, “Shaved Rockstar” is a heartwarming Punjabi drama narrating the journey of a man aspiring to become a singer. The storyline unfolds with incidents leading to incarceration and a chance encounter with a journalist. With its theme of resilience and dreams, the film promises a captivating tale of personal growth, passion, and the pursuit of dreams.

7. Saindhava:

Genre: Action-Thriller
Release Date: January 13
Cast: Venkatesh Daggubati, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Synopsis: Shailesh Kolanu’s “Saindhava” is a Telugu action-thriller featuring Venkatesh Daggubati. The plot revolves around a father’s desperate quest to save his daughter from a rare disorder. To fund the costly treatment, he revisits his perilous past, leading to intense action sequences and emotional moments, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui adding depth to the narrative.

8. Na Sami Ranga:

Genre: Period Action

Release Date: January 14

Cast: Nagarjuna, Aashika Ranganath, Raskar Dhillon, Raj Tarun, Allari Naresh

Synopsis: “Na Sami Ranga,” starring Nagarjuna, is a period action film specially timed for a Pongal release. Directed by Vijay Binny, the movie features a historical backdrop and a stellar ensemble cast. With action-packed sequences and a soundtrack by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, the film promises to be a visual and auditory treat for period film enthusiasts. The narrative unfolds with historical drama, dynamic storytelling, and a compelling blend of action and emotion, making it a must-watch for the festive season.