This Weekend's Movie Releases: 5 Films Hitting Theatres on January 17

From action thrillers to family entertainers, here's your complete guide to movies releasing this weekend across Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema.

This weekend brings an exciting mix of movies across multiple languages. Whether you're looking for edge-of-the-seat action, heartfelt drama, or family entertainment, there's something for everyone. Here's your comprehensive guide to the releases.

1. Sikandar - Hindi

Release Date: January 17, 2026 Director: AR Murugadoss Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Prateik Babbar

Synopsis: Salman Khan returns to the big screen in this high-octane action thriller. He plays Sikandar, a former RAW agent pulled back into action when his family is threatened by an international terror syndicate. The film promises spectacular action sequences shot across India, Europe, and the Middle East.

Why Watch:

• Salman Khan's first release in 18 months
• AR Murugadoss (Ghajini, Holiday) known for gripping narratives
• High-budget action with practical stunts
• Rashmika's Bollywood comeback after Animal

Runtime: 2h 45min | Certification: UA

2. The Raja Saab - Telugu

Release Date: January 17, 2026 Director: Maruthi Cast: Prabhas, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar

Synopsis: Prabhas ventures into horror-comedy territory with this quirky entertainer. He plays a charming antique shop owner who inherits a haunted mansion in Rajasthan. What follows is a hilarious yet spooky adventure as he navigates through supernatural encounters while finding love.

Why Watch:

• Prabhas in a refreshing light-hearted role
• Director Maruthi's trademark comedy
• Multiple female leads with unique character arcs
• Special effects by a Hollywood team

Runtime: 2h 38min | Certification: UA

3. Vidaamuyarchi - Tamil

Release Date: January 17, 2026 Director: Magizh Thirumeni Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra

Synopsis: Ajith Kumar stars in this intense action drama about a man who travels to a foreign country to rescue his kidnapped wife. The film is a remake of the Spanish thriller "Retribution" with significant creative additions to suit Indian sensibilities.

Why Watch:

• Ajith's first film after his sabbatical
• Reunion of Ajith-Trisha after 15 years
• Edge-of-the-seat car chase sequences
• Emotional depth combined with action

Runtime: 2h 28min | Certification: UA

4. Mere Husband Ki Biwi - Hindi

Release Date: January 17, 2026 Director: Mudassar Aziz Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Rakul Preet Singh

Synopsis: A comedy of errors unfolds when a man's ex-wife returns to town just as he's about to marry someone else. Caught between his past and future, hilarity ensues as he tries to navigate family drama, wedding preparations, and unresolved feelings.

Why Watch:

• Light-hearted family entertainer
• Chemistry between the lead trio
• Director Mudassar Aziz's comedy timing
• Perfect weekend watch for families

Runtime: 2h 22min | Certification: U

5. Emergency - Hindi (Expanding Release)

Release Date: Wide release January 17, 2026 Director: Kangana Ranaut Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary

Synopsis: After a limited release earlier, Emergency gets a wide theatrical expansion. The political drama chronicles the events of the 1975 Emergency in India, with Kangana Ranaut portraying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film covers the controversial 21-month period that remains one of the most debated chapters in Indian democracy.

Why Watch:

• Kangana's transformative performance as Indira Gandhi
• Important chapter of Indian history
• Strong ensemble cast
• Critically acclaimed direction

Runtime: 2h 52min | Certification: A

Box Office Predictions

Screen Distribution

• Sikandar: 4,500+ screens (Hindi)
• The Raja Saab: 2,800+ screens (Telugu, Tamil, Hindi)
• Vidaamuyarchi: 2,200+ screens (Tamil, Telugu)
• Mere Husband Ki Biwi: 2,000 screens
• Emergency: 1,500 screens

Advance Booking Status

As of January 15:

• Sikandar: Strong advance in North India, Mumbai leading
• The Raja Saab: Phenomenal response in AP/Telangana, record advance for Prabhas
• Vidaamuyarchi: Solid bookings in Tamil Nadu, Kerala
• Mere Husband Ki Biwi: Moderate advance, expected walk-in audience

Our Recommendations

For Action Lovers: Sikandar or Vidaamuyarchi For Comedy Fans: The Raja Saab or Mere Husband Ki Biwi For Serious Cinema: Emergency For Family Viewing: Mere Husband Ki Biwi

Happy movie watching this weekend!