The Telugu superstar Jr NTR, riding high on the global success of 'RRR', is pushing his physical limits for his next ambitious venture. He is collaborating with the blockbuster director Prashanth Neel, known for the 'KGF' series and 'Salaar', for a film tentatively titled 'NTRNeel'. In a significant departure from industry norms, the actor has decided to perform all his stunts himself, without relying on a body double, for what are described as the riskiest sequences of his career.
No More Body Doubles: Jr NTR Embraces the Tom Cruise Trend
According to industry reports, the trend of actors depending heavily on stunt doubles is fading, with top stars now opting to perform dangerous sequences themselves. A source close to the 'NTRNeel' project confirmed that Jr NTR is very clear that the era of body doubles is over. The report draws a parallel with Bollywood star Salman Khan, who is also reportedly doing his own stunts for an upcoming film.
"Every superstar is Tom Cruising now and so is NTR," the source stated, highlighting a new standard for action heroes in Indian cinema. This commitment to authenticity means that the upcoming shoot, scheduled for December, will involve Jr NTR personally executing complex and high-risk action scenes, a move that is sure to excite his fans.
Major December Schedule at Ramoji Film City
The film's production is moving into a crucial phase. A key shooting schedule is set to commence in the first week of December 2024. This schedule is planned to be an intensive, three-week-long shoot that will continue right up until Christmas. The location for this pivotal shoot will be the renowned Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
To create the film's expansive world, the makers are constructing massive, high-scale sets within the film city. For his role, Jr NTR has undergone a physical transformation and will be seen sporting a new, lean, and toned physique complemented by a bushy beard, a look that has already generated considerable buzz among his followers.
Film Details, Cast, and Release Timeline
While the project is widely referred to as 'NTRNeel', combining the names of the star and director, it is strongly rumored to have the official title 'Dragon'. The film will feature Rukmini Vasanth, who gained acclaim for her performance in 'Kantara: Chapter 1', as the female lead opposite Jr NTR.
The movie was officially announced with a release date of June 25, 2026. However, given the scale of the production and the intricate work involved, some industry whispers suggest the date could potentially be delayed. Fans are eagerly awaiting further official updates from the production team as the December shoot approaches.
The combination of Jr NTR's star power, Prashanth Neel's directorial prowess in crafting gritty, high-octane action dramas, and the actor's personal dedication to performing his own stunts sets the stage for what could be one of the most anticipated pan-Indian releases of 2026.
