Director Prashanth Neel’s upcoming collaboration with Jr NTR is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema, and the latest updates have only heightened the excitement. Malayalam star Tovino Thomas and Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor are now confirmed to join the cast, bringing significant star power and cross-industry appeal to the film.
The project, tentatively referred to as NTR Neel by fans, has already been hailed as Neel’s biggest undertaking yet, with early reports suggesting it will surpass the scale of KGF and Salaar. The film is scheduled for a global release on 25 June 2026, with production beginning in October 2025. A major portion of the shoot is expected to take place overseas, promising international standards in both storytelling and visuals.
Anil Kapoor’s inclusion is particularly intriguing. Known for his versatility and longevity in Hindi cinema, Kapoor’s presence signals the film’s intent to push beyond regional boundaries and attract pan-Indian and global audiences. Meanwhile, Tovino Thomas, who has made his mark with powerful performances in films like Minnal Murali and 2018, brings fresh energy and credibility from Malayalam cinema. Their casting indicates that Neel is crafting a universe that draws strength from India’s diverse film industries.
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Industry insiders have described the movie as a “game-changer for Telugu cinema,” with speculation swirling around its potential title, Dragon. Though the makers have not officially confirmed the name, the scale of the production and its lineup suggest a grand mythic-action narrative that aligns with Neel’s signature world-building style.
A source close to the project revealed that this film is something Neel “has dreamt of making from the very beginning” of his career, and he views it as his most ambitious vision yet. With Jr NTR fresh off his international recognition from RRR, and with heavyweights like Anil Kapoor and Tovino Thomas on board, expectations are sky-high.
If the hype translates to screen, Prashanth Neel’s next outing could redefine the standards for big-budget Indian films and set new benchmarks across global markets.
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