9 Tamil films expected to release in summer 2026: From Surya's Karuppu, Vijay's Jana Nayakan to Dhanush starrer Kaara

Tamil cinema is planning an exciting list of releases for 2026. With many big titles expected to hit the theaters this summer, here’s a look at the Tamil movies worth watching.

9 Tamil movies expected to release in summer 2026

1. Karuppu

Mould: Suriya, Trisha Krishnan, Indrans, Natti Subramaniam, Swasika, Shivada
Director: RJ Balaji (RJB)
Style: fantasy action entertainer

After the release of Retro in 2025, Suriya’s fans are eagerly waiting for his next film, especially as Karuppu is facing a lot of delay in hitting the big screens. According to speculations, the film is now believed to be released in theaters this summer. However, the official announcement is still awaited.

The upcoming film is a fantasy action entertainer that tells the story of a lawyer who gets possessed by the local deity Karuppusamy to fight against injustice.

2. Sardar 2

Mould: Karthi, SJ Surya, Malavika Mohanan, Aashika Ranganath, Rajisha Vijayan, Shah Ra
Director: PS Mithran
Style: spy action thriller

Karthi is all set to make a comeback with the sequel to his blockbuster Sardaar. Directed by PS Mithran, the upcoming film sees Agent Sardar overcoming dangerous obstacles to pose a new threat to the country.

The Va Vaathiyar actor is joined this time by SJ Suryah and Malavika Mohanan, with Rajisha Vijayan reprising her role from the first instalment.

3. Magudam

Mould: Vishal, Dushara Vijayan, Anjali, Yogi Babu, Thambi Ramaiah
Director: Huge
Style: gangster action drama

Magudam, starring Vishal in the lead, is also scheduled to release in the summer. The gangster action drama will feature the actor in multiple avatars.

Initially announced to be led by director Ravi Arasu, the project later came under the direction of Vishal after creative differences. The film marks Vishal’s directorial debut, while Ravi Arasu is credited for the screenplay.

4. Mookuthi Amman 2

Mould: Nayanthara, Urvashi, Sneha, Duniya Vijay, Regena Cassandra, Yogi Babu, Abhinay, Ramachandra Raju, Ajay Ghosh
Director: beautiful
Style: fantasy comedy

After the success of Mookuthi Amman directed by RJ Balaji, Nayanthara is set to reprise her role as the lead character in the sequel, Mookuthi Amman 2. This installment, directed by Sundar C, explores a new story and set of characters.

While Nayanthara and Urvashi return from the original cast, Sneha, Duniya Vijay and other actors join the sequel.

5. Kanchana 4

Mould: Raghav Lawrence, Pooja Hegde, Nora Fatehi
Director: Raghav Lawrence
Style: horror comedy

Over the years, the Kanchana series (also known as the Muni franchise) has built a loyal fan base. While the core narrative remains familiar, the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its quirky characters and emotional humor.

The upcoming installment, Kanchana 4 (or Muni 5), is being considered a pan-India venture, with Pooja Hegde and Nora Fatehi in the co-leads.

6. Demonte Colony 3

Mould: Arulnithi Tamilarasu, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Vettai Muthukumar, Archana Ravichandran, Meenakshi Govindarajan, Miya George, Guru Somasundaram
Director: Ajay Gyanmuthu
Style: supernatural horror thriller

After a rough ending with Demonte Colony 2, director Ajay Gnanamuthu is back with the third installment, titled Demonte Colony 3 (or Demonte Colony III: The End Is Too Far).

Continuing the events of the first two films, the sequel delves deeper into the story surrounding John Demonte and explores whether the characters can save Srinu from the clutches of Satan.

7. Rawdi

Mould: Basil Joseph, LK Akshay Kumar, John Vijay, Sathyan, Jaffer Sadiq, Noble K James, Arunachaleswaran PA, Aishwarya Sharma
Director: Vignesh Vadivel
Style: comedy drama

After a small role in the Sivakarthikeyan-Ravi Mohan starrer Parasakthi, Basil Joseph is all set to play a lead role in Tamil cinema. Raavadi is a comedy-drama set inside a men’s hostel, where a gang of boys runs amok.

However, when a mysterious person enters their lives, chaos ensues. The film also stars producer Lalit Kumar’s son, Sirai fame LK Akshay Kumar in the co-lead role.

8. Cara

Mould: Dhanush, Mamita Baiju, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunas, Jayaram
Director: Vigensh Raja
Style: thriller drama

Kara marks the first time Dhanush is working with Por Thozhil director Vignesh Raja. This emotionally driven thriller tells the story of a man who has to face difficult situations to save his family from the consequences of his actions.

Mamita Baiju plays the lead role, while further details about the project have been kept under wraps.

9. Jan Naygan

Mould: Thalapathy Vijay, Bobby Deol, Pooja Hegde, Mamita Baiju, Priyamani, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narayan
Director: H. Vinoth
Style: political action drama

As the makers await CBFC certification, Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayakan is expected to release in theaters this summer, though the official date has not been announced yet.

The political action drama centers on Thalapathy Vetri Kondan, a former police officer and ex-convict, who must protect his foster daughter as powerful forces target him and threaten society at large.

The films listed above are among the many Tamil films expected to be released in theaters this summer. While most of the release dates are unconfirmed, some of these films may ultimately leave the summer window due to premature departures or further postponements.

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