Rebel Star Prabhas extended warm birthday wishes to director Sandeep Reddy Vanga on Christmas Day, offering fans a glimpse into their collaboration for the highly anticipated cop action drama, 'Spirit'. The filmmaker celebrated his 44th birthday on the festive date, with the star sharing a behind-the-scenes moment from the film's sets.
A Birthday Wish and a Glimpse into 'Spirit'
Prabhas took to his Instagram story to post a picture of Sandeep Reddy Vanga dressed in a black outfit, seemingly in the middle of directing a scene, possibly explaining a character's gaze. Along with the candid shot, Prabhas wrote, "Happy birthday bro... Can't wait for everyone to witness what you're creating." This public gesture has heightened excitement for their project, where Prabhas is slated to portray a powerful and rogue police officer.
Why Sandeep Chose an Original Story Over a Remake
In a previous interview with Gallata Plus, Sandeep Reddy Vanga revealed interesting details about the film's conception. He mentioned receiving an offer to work with Prabhas long ago, but that particular project did not materialize. The director emphasized his desire to craft a fresh, original narrative specifically tailored for Prabhas's persona.
He shared a notable anecdote, stating that Prabhas once asked him if he wanted to remake a Hollywood film. Vanga firmly declined the idea, telling the star, "It is not working for me, the Hollywood remake." His vision was clear: to develop a unique story made exclusively for Prabhas, believing an original concept would serve the actor better.
Cast Updates and Accelerated Shooting Schedule
The film's casting has seen significant developments. Initially, Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone was finalized as the female lead but later exited the project due to reported disagreements over contractual terms. Following this, the talented Triptii Dimri came on board as the leading lady. The ensemble cast also includes veteran actors Prakash Raj and Vivek Oberoi in pivotal roles.
Production is already in full swing, with reports indicating a push to speed up the filming process. According to a Mid-day report, Sandeep Reddy Vanga has decided to cancel the planned New Year break to fast-track production. Initially, the team was to shoot until December end and then take a hiatus. However, with Vanga aiming for a potential mid-2026 release, the schedule has been tightened to complete major portions earlier than planned.
The combination of Prabhas's star power, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's intense directorial style post the blockbuster 'Animal', and a fresh original plot has positioned 'Spirit' as one of the most awaited pan-Indian films. The recent birthday wish and the accelerated shooting pace signal the team's commitment to delivering a powerful cinematic experience.
