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Anil Kapoor joins Jr NTR and Prashanth Neel’s ‘Dragon’ for a second collaboration with the Telugu star: Reports

Anil Kapoor has officially joined the cast of Dragon, the highly anticipated action thriller starring Jr NTR and directed by Prashanth Neel. This marks Anil Kapoor’s second on-screen collaboration with Jr NTR after War 2, adding another layer of star power to the pan-Indian project that’s expected to be one of the biggest action spectacles of 2026.

January 16, 2026 / 14:36 IST
jr ntr and anil kapoor in new film
Snapshot AI
  • Anil Kapoor joins Jr NTR in Prashanth Neel's pan-Indian action thriller Dragon
  • Dragon is set for a global shoot and is among 2026's most ambitious Indian films
  • Kapoor's role may be pivotal, adding gravitas to the high-profile cast

Bollywood icon Anil Kapoor has officially joined the ensemble cast of the upcoming pan-Indian action thriller Dragon, starring Jr NTR and helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Prashanth Neel of KGF and Salaar fame. The announcement has stirred excitement across the Indian film industry, as fans eagerly await the collaboration of heavyweight talent on a project being touted as one of 2026’s most ambitious.

Anil Kapoor’s inclusion in Dragon was confirmed through industry reports and his own acknowledgments on social media, quelling earlier speculation.

This project marks his second on-screen collaboration with Jr NTR after the two appeared together in War 2, which premiered to wide attention in 2025. The Hindi film veteran’s casting in such a high-profile Telugu production underscores the increasingly pan-Indian nature of big-budget cinema today.

The film is directed by Prashanth Neel, who previously delivered massive box-office successes with the KGF franchise and Salaar. Known for his grand, high-voltage storytelling and visually striking action, Neel has drawn considerable anticipation for Dragon, which is expected to push the boundaries of action cinema across languages and regions. While detailed plot points remain under wraps, the film’s scope has been described as vast and cinematic, promising intense sequences and broad audience appeal.

Dragon is reportedly being shot on an international scale, including schedules in Africa and other locations, suggesting a globally ambitious production setup. Alongside Kapoor and Jr NTR, early cast details indicate additional pan-Indian talent, though specifics are still being sealed by the makers.

Anil Kapoor may play a pivotal antagonist or major supporting role that could further elevate the film’s dramatic stakes. His versatility and long-standing presence in Indian cinema bring both gravitas and crossover appeal to a star lineup that already fuels high expectations.

With its mix of star power, a visionary director and an expansive production scale, Dragon is shaping up as one of the most talked-about tentpole films of 2026, one that could spin into a defining moment for pan-Indian action cinema.

Ragini Jaiswal
Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms.
first published: Jan 16, 2026 02:35 pm

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