Editorial: Sankranthi 2026: 12 Heroines Testing Their Luck in the Intense Festive Battle!

This Sankranthi is not just crucial season for star heroes, but also a real test for heroines. A box-office success could put careers firmly back on track for a few actresses, while for others, it’s a fight for survival. These are the films that could change the fortunes of those heroines:
Nidhhi Agerwal (The Raja Saab):
For Nidhhi Agerwal, this is the most critical phase of her Tollywood career. After iSmart Shankar, the actress hasn’t had a solid breakthrough. With Hari Hara Veera Mallu emerging a big flop, Prabhas’ The Raja Saab has become her only major hope. If the film turns out to be a super hit, she could re-enter the race of star heroines. Otherwise, opportunities may shrink further.
Malavika Mohanan (The Raja Saab):
After acting alongside stars like Vijay in Tamil cinema, Malavika is set to make her grand Telugu entry with The Raja Saab. With strong glamour appeal and a huge social media following, a success here could propel her into the league of top Tollywood heroines.
Riddhi Kumar (The Raja Saab):
After appearing in a small role in Prabhas’ Radhe Shyam, Raja Saab offers Riddhi a big platform to prove herself as a heroine. If she impresses in this big-ticket entertainer, more exciting offers could come her way.
Nayanthara (Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu):
Despite her ‘Lady Superstar’ tag, Nayanthara hasn’t had a massive commercial success in Telugu lately. If Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu, starring Megastar Chiranjeevi, becomes a big hit, she could once again become the first choice for senior Tollywood heroes.
Ashika Ranganath (Bhartha Mahashayulaku Wignyapti):
After winning the hearts of Telugu audiences with Nagarjuna’s Naa Saami Ranga, Ashika is set to entertain audiences with her new film Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi headlined by Ravi Teja. The success of the family entetainer could firmly establish her in Tollywood.
Dimple Hayathi (Bhartha Mahashayulaku Wignyapthi):
Dimple Hayathi is currently in a “do or die” situation. None of her six films so far have succeeded commercial. She is hoping to finally break her flop streak with Ravi Teja’s film.
Meenakshi Chaudhary (Anaganaga Oka Raju):
Though already a busy heroine, Anaganaga Oka Raju with Naveen Polishetty could boost Meenakshi’s market value significantly. A hit here would take her career to the next level.
Samyuktha (Naari Naari Naduma Murari):
Once hailed a “golden leg,” Sanyuktha has faced a few setbacks recently. With Sharwanand’s Naari Naari Naduma Murari, she is aiming to get back on the success track and regain her lost form.
Sakshi Vaidya (Naari Naari Naduma Murari):
Sakshi Vaidya’s Tollywood journey has so far been filled with flops like Agent and Gandeevadhari Arjuna. The success of this Sharwanand starrer could decide her future in Telugu cinema.
Pooja Hegde (Jana Nayakudu):
Once the star heroine in Tollywood, Pooja has been away from Telugu cinema for the past two years. She is testing her luck again with the Tamil-dubbed film Jana Nayakudu starring Thalapathy Vijay. A positive result could pave the way for her comeback.
Mamitha Baiju (Jana Nayakudu):
After gaining massive craze among youth with Premalu and Dude, Jana Nayakudu gives Mamitha another good opportunity to get offers in Tollywood.
Sreeleela (Parashakthi):
Despite having back-to-back offers, Sreeleela is still waiting for a solid blockbuster. Parashakthi could be the turning point of her career, and she needs to prove her mettle once again with this Sivakarthikeyan starrer.The post Editorial: Sankranthi 2026: 12 Heroines Testing Their Luck in the Intense Festive Battle! first appeared on Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT.