Jr. NTR shed nearly 9.5 kg of muscle mass for Prashanth Neel’s Dragon: Report

Jr NTR to shed 9.5 Kgs for next

Fans of Jr. NTR have been buzzing about his noticeably leaner frame in recent weeks, with many speculating about possible health concerns. But now, his long-time trainer Kumar Mannava has cleared the air — it’s not a health issue, it’s preparation.

“He is preparing for director Prashanth Neel’s upcoming action drama and has shed nearly 9.5 kilos of muscle in just seven weeks,” revealed Kumar, explaining that the physical transformation is very much part of the plan. As reported by Times Of India.

This transformation isn’t just about losing weight — it’s about reshaping his body for a specific role in the highly anticipated film tentatively titled Dragon (NTRNeel). Kumar explained, “Since the goal is to get lean, the workouts are more functional and cardio-based, with some resistance training. He trains early in the morning, with sessions ranging between 45 and 90 minutes depending on cardio or weights. Contrary to the usual protein-centric plans, he’s opted for a very low-protein diet as he needs to lose the muscle mass he has built over the years.”

The film marks Jr. NTR’s first collaboration with blockbuster director Prashanth Neel, known for KGF and Salaar, and it’s shaping up to be an all-out action spectacle. Sources say the actor is gearing up for a particularly intense sequence — a set piece so grand it’s already being called one of the biggest action moments in the film.

The story follows Jr. NTR’s character as he steps into an epic narrative, and this lean new look is central to the role. Although the production has remained tight-lipped, glimpses of the actor’s intense training routine have added fuel to the anticipation.

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Backed by Mythri Movie Makers and featuring music by Ravi Basrur, Dragon is set to release on 25 June 2026. While the full cast hasn’t been officially announced, industry whispers suggest Tovino Thomas and Kantara star Rukmini Vasanth will play key roles.

Jr. NTR was last seen in War 2, where he shared screen space with Hrithik Roshan. The film saw him as a fierce special forces officer, and now, with Dragon, he’s set to unveil a whole new side — leaner, meaner, and ready for action.