"Dragon," the Jr. NTR and Prashanth Neel Collaboration, Faces Further Delays
The highly anticipated collaboration between Jr. NTR and director Prashanth Neel, tentatively titled "Dragon," is reportedly facing further delays, leaving fans eager for the project in suspense. Initially slated for release during the Sankranthi festival in 2026, the film was then expected to hit screens in the summer of 2026. However, recent reports suggest a possible push to late 2026 or even early 2027.
While the exact reasons for the delay remain unclear, several factors could be contributing to the shift. Prashanth Neel is known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, ensuring that his vision is executed on a grand scale. Such dedication to quality often requires additional time for pre-production, shooting, and post-production work.
Adding to the complexity, both Jr. NTR and Prashanth Neel have other commitments that could impact the project's timeline. Jr. NTR recently made his Bollywood debut in "War 2," directed by Ayan Mukherji. The actor is also committed to "Devara 2". Meanwhile, Prashanth Neel is known for making big movies that require a large canvas to showcase the heroism within the film.
In May 2025, the team behind "Dragon" announced a postponement of the film's first look release, which was originally planned for Jr. NTR's birthday. To avoid clashing with the promotion of "War 2," the team decided to dedicate the day to Jr. NTR's Bollywood debut.
Despite the delays, there is still excitement surrounding "Dragon." Producer Ravi Shankar has described the script as unique and unlike anything seen before in Indian cinema, expressing confidence in the film's international appeal and box office performance. The film is said to be a period action drama set in the 1960s in Calcutta.
The film will present Jr. NTR in a new look, sporting a lean body and heavy beard. The first look poster, already released, shows the actor with fierce eyes, resembling a dragon. Recent sensation Rukmini Vasanth has also joined the cast as the heroine, marking her first collaboration with Jr. NTR.
As fans eagerly await further updates, the team is reportedly planning a new shooting schedule to begin at the end of October 2025 and last until the summer. While the delay may be disappointing for some, the commitment to delivering a high-quality film remains the top priority.
