New Delhi: After being surrounded by multiple controversies in 2025, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated project Spirit has finally locked its theatrical release date. The director officially announced that the Prabhas-starrer will hit cinemas worldwide on March 5, 2027, ending months of speculation around the film’s timeline. Vanga shared the update through his social media handles, sending fans into a frenzy and reaffirming that the ambitious action drama is firmly on track.
The announcement marks a crucial milestone for Spirit, which has been one of the most talked-about upcoming films ever since it was announced. With Prabhas in the lead and Triptii Dimri as the female protagonist, the film is expected to be a large-scale, high-intensity cinematic experience, characteristic of Vanga’s signature storytelling style.
First look unveiled on New Year
Earlier this year, on the occasion of the New Year, Sandeep Reddy Vanga surprised fans by unveiling the first-look poster of Spirit exactly at midnight. Continuing a tradition he followed during the promotions of Animal, the director chose the New Year moment to tease audiences and build anticipation around his next project.
The first-look poster immediately grabbed attention for its raw, unfiltered aesthetic. It also sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many fans drawing parallels between Spirit and Animal, Vanga’s blockbuster starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The visual language of the poster suggested that Spirit would once again explore intense emotions, violence, and psychological depth.
Breaking down Prabhas’ intense look
In the poster, Prabhas is seen standing shirtless with his back facing the camera. His body bears visible bruises and wounds, with bandages wrapped across his shoulder, back, and hands, hinting at a physically and emotionally battered character. The actor sports long hair, a thick beard, and a rugged moustache, a look that instantly reminded many viewers of Ranbir Kapoor’s appearance in Animal.
Adding to the gritty atmosphere, Triptii Dimri is shown lighting Prabhas’ cigarette while he holds a glass of alcohol in his hand. The visual suggests a complex, possibly destructive relationship between the two characters, setting the tone for a dark and intense narrative.
Sharing the poster, Prabhas simply wrote, “Here’s the first poster of #Spirit,” letting the imagery speak for itself.
A multi-language, global release plan
Spirit is written, edited, and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who is known for maintaining tight creative control over his projects. The film is being produced by Bhushan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Krishan Kumar, and Prabhakar Reddy Vanga, making it a collaboration between T-Series and Vanga Pictures.
The makers are planning an ambitious multi-language release, with Spirit set to hit theatres in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. In a move that underlines the film’s global ambitions, the team also intends to release it in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean, aiming to tap into international markets where Indian action films have been gaining traction.
Last year, Vanga had released the audio teaser of Spirit in five Indian languages on Prabhas’ 46th birthday, further fuelling excitement around the project.
Controversies that surrounded Spirit
Despite the buzz, Spirit has not been free from controversy. The film dominated headlines in 2025 after reports emerged that Deepika Padukone had exited the project due to disagreements over work-hour demands. While neither party initially confirmed the details, the situation escalated when Vanga issued a strongly worded social media statement, indirectly calling out the actress’s alleged PR strategy without naming her.
The episode sparked intense debate within the film industry and among fans, with discussions around working conditions, creative expectations, and professional boundaries taking centre stage. Eventually, Triptii Dimri was brought on board to replace Deepika, a casting decision that was met with mixed reactions but also considerable curiosity.
Triptii’s association with Vanga is not new. She had previously worked with the director in Animal (2023), where her performance received significant attention and helped elevate her profile in mainstream cinema.
Expectations riding high
With the release date now officially announced, expectations from Spirit are soaring. Prabhas, who enjoys a massive pan-India and international fanbase after films like Baahubali and Salaar, is expected to deliver yet another powerful performance. For Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit represents a chance to further cement his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to push boundaries, even amid criticism and controversy.
As the countdown to March 5, 2027 begins, Spirit stands poised to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year, promising intensity, scale, and a bold narrative that is likely to spark conversation long after its release.