Jr NTR continues to dominate Tollywood’s popularity charts, and the excitement around his upcoming collaboration with director Prashanth Neel has reached fever pitch. After the mixed yet powerful response to Devara, fans have been waiting to see what the RRR star and the Salaar filmmaker will create together. The project, rumoured to be titled Dragon, has already generated massive curiosity, fuelled further by NTR’s new rugged avatar featuring a sharp beard and intense styling that recently went viral across social media.
NTR refuses body double for extreme action blocks
The most awaited schedule of the film is set to begin in the first week of December at Ramoji Film City, and sources reveal that this phase will contain some of the riskiest action sequences planned in Telugu cinema recently. A person close to the production shared that the stunts are far more dangerous than anything Jr NTR has attempted in his career. In an unexpected but bold move, the actor has reportedly refused to use a body double.
According to the source, Jr NTR believes that the era of relying on stunt duplicates is gradually diminishing, especially for top-tier performers whose physical presence drives the story’s emotional weight. He is said to be committed to performing every action sequence himself, regardless of the difficulty involved. The decision has sparked conversations within the industry about the increasing expectations placed on actors in large-scale action films.
Interestingly, the source also revealed that NTR has not shared the details of these high-risk sequences with his wife and children, possibly to avoid worrying them or creating anxiety around the shoot. Those close to him say the actor is determined to push boundaries and deliver something that Tollywood has not seen before.
Challenging night shoots at Ramoji Film City
The upcoming schedule will consist largely of night shoots, stretching continuously for nearly three weeks. The team is reportedly preparing for intense winter nights on massive sets, which are expected to add to the physical strain on the cast and crew. With Prashanth Neel known for designing action blocks that define the core intensity and world-building of his films, expectations are naturally high.
Neel’s previous work—KGF and Salaar—is celebrated for its gritty visual palette, violent action, and emotionally driven protagonists. Industry insiders believe he is crafting an even more immersive environment for Jr NTR, carefully building a world where the tone, scale, and action sequences work as the central spine of the film. If executed the way Neel envisions, this collaboration could set a new benchmark for Telugu action cinema.
However, the difficult schedule also exposes the team to weather challenges, fatigue, and physically demanding rehearsals. Crew members have reportedly begun prepping in advance, ensuring safety protocols, rigging mechanisms, and stunt coordination are meticulously planned. With Jr NTR performing the stunts himself, safety teams are said to be on high alert.
Transformation fuels fan frenzy
Jr NTR’s recent workout videos have taken social media by storm. The actor appears to have adopted a lean, combat-ready physique, signalling the physical intensity that Neel’s script demands. Fans have praised his dedication, describing his transformation as one of the most striking of his career. However, sections of the fandom have also expressed concern, especially after reports emerged about the scale of the upcoming stunt sequences.
Trainers close to the project noted that NTR’s regime focuses heavily on agility, core strength, and high-endurance drills. The combination of long night shoots, heavy action choreography, and sustained physical training is expected to test the actor’s stamina and discipline. Industry watchers recall how NTR transformed himself dramatically for RRR and Aravinda Sametha, but believe Dragon may push him even further.
Production progressing despite rumours
Despite earlier speculation that the film was facing delays, the makers have clarified that production is moving swiftly and smoothly. Key pre-visualisation work, set construction, and action block planning were completed weeks in advance. The team aims to keep the momentum strong through December, targeting major progress before year-end.
Trade experts suggest that the combination of Jr NTR’s rising global popularity, especially after RRR, and Prashanth Neel’s immense fan base could make Dragon one of the biggest pan-India releases in the coming year. With the actor performing high-risk stunts himself, the film has already gained a reputation for ambition and scale even before its first teaser.
As fans wait for official updates, posters, or a title reveal, the buzz surrounding this project continues to grow. With NTR aiming to raise the bar for action cinema and Neel pushing his own creative boundaries, Tollywood may be on the verge of witnessing one of its most intense and visually explosive films yet.