The year 2026 has begun on a hopeful note for the Kannada Film Industry after a largely disappointing box-office performance in 2025. With releases from almost all major stars lined up, the industry is preparing for a packed year that could potentially restore audience confidence. Based on data compiled from www.flickfeeds.com and available industry updates, several big-ticket films and promising mid-budget projects are expected to hit screens this year.
The first major star-driven release of the year is Landlord, starring Duniya Vijay and Rachita Ram, directed by Jadesh K. Hampi and produced by K. V. Sathyaprakash. Slated for release on January 23, the film is a high-voltage action drama that revolves around social inequality and the struggles of the underprivileged. Raj B. Shetty plays a key role in the film. Landlord also marks the acting debut of Vijay’s daughter Ritanya. Vijay will follow this with City Light, his third directorial venture after Salaga and Bheema. The film introduces his second daughter Monisha in a lead role opposite Vinay Rajakumar.
Another early-year release is Koragajja, a Daiva-based film produced by Trivikrama Saphalya and directed by Sudhir Attavar, which is expected to arrive around the Sankranthi festival. One of the most ambitious Kannada projects in recent times is Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Directed by Geetu Mohandas and produced by KVN Productions, the film is scheduled for a worldwide release on March 19, 2026, and is expected to be a major pan-Indian offering from Kannada cinema.
Dr. Shivarajakumar has one of the busiest line-ups this year. Among his multiple projects is 666 Operation Dream Theater, a retro-styled film directed by Hemanth M. Rao, which also stars Dhananjaya. In addition, Shivarajakumar has several films in different stages of production, including Dad, A for Anand, Uttarakhanda, Bail, and a documentary titled Survivor. He is also part of the Telugu biopic on social activist Gummadi Narasaiah and appears in Telugu and Tamil projects such as Peddi and Jailer 2.
Daali Dhananjaya, is preparing for a demanding period drama while also awaiting the release of Anna from Mexico. Rishab Shetty, following the success of Kantara, is currently occupied with commitments in other language films, while Rakshit Shetty, who maintained a low profile last year, is developing the script for Richard Antony. Raj B. Shetty, who had a successful 2025 with Su from So, will be seen next in Landlord and later in Rakkasapuradhol.
Kichcha Sudeepa’s Billa Ranga Basha has generated considerable buzz even before shooting commenced. He is also working on K47, which is expected to release ahead of BRB in 2026. Dhruva Sarja will be seen in KD: The Devil, directed by Prem and produced by KVN Productions, featuring Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, and Reeshma Nanaiah in key roles. The film is expected to release in 2026 following scheduling adjustments. Dhruva Sarja also has Criminal, co-starring Rachita Ram and directed by Rajguru B, lined up for release.
Upendra will be seen in Bhargava, directed by veteran filmmaker Naganna and produced by Soorappa Babu, which is nearing completion. Another long-delayed Upendra film, Raktha Kashmira, directed by S. V. Rajendra Singh Babu, is finally expected to see the light of day. Rajendra Singh Babu’s Kambala is also in its final stages and may release anytime this year. Prajwal Devaraj has Karavali and Mafia in the pipeline, both awaiting release.
Ramesh Aravind has multiple projects lined up, including Shivaji Surathkal 3, Daiji, and Yours Sincerely, which features Golden Star Ganesh. Ganesh will also be seen in Yours Sincerely Ram and Pinaka, a high-budget film that marks choreographer Dhananjay’s directorial debut. Father, produced under R. Chandru’s banner and directed by Raj Mohan, stars Prakash Raj, Darling Krishna, and Amrutha Iyengar, and is expected to release after Love Mocktail 3. Sri Murali’s Ugrayudham and Paraak are also gearing up for release in 2026.
Several films are currently on the floors, including Sarala Subba Rao starring Ajay Rao, Mango Pachcha with Sanchit Sanjeev, Lankeshwara starring Vinod Prabhakar, Cult featuring Zaid Khan, Chowki Daar with Pruthvi Ambar,Jawa starring Rajavardhan, Veshagalu with Srinagara Kitty, Ayogya 2 starring Satish Ninasam, Gramayana featuring Vinay Rajakumar, Jingo, Jockey 42 starring Gurunandan, and Next Level featuring Upendra. In addition, a large number of projects such as Lo Naveena, Ramarasa, BMW, Mazaar, Pyaar, K-Pop, LSD, Soorya: Power of Love, Calendar, Premi, Alpha, Ghaarga, Ivane Srinivasa, February 30, Daiva, Rama and Ramu 2, Gangs of UK, Soori Anna, Magne, Nodiddu Sullagabahudu, and many others are in various stages of preparation.
With an extensive and diverse slate spanning commercial entertainers, star-driven spectacles, and content-focused cinema, 2026 appears set to be a crucial year for the Kannada Film Industry as it looks to regain momentum and reconnect with audiences.
