In a significant move to accelerate production, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has decided to forgo the planned New Year holiday break for the team of his upcoming mega-project, 'Spirit'. The film, starring pan-India superstar Prabhas, is now on a continuous shooting schedule to meet a potential earlier release date.
No Holiday Break: A Race Against Time
According to a recent industry report, the filmmaker has called off the scheduled break that was supposed to follow the first leg of shooting. The team had commenced filming on November 27th in Hyderabad, and it was initially decided that the schedule would continue till the end of December before a short pause.
However, in a change of plans, Vanga has now opted for a non-stop shoot. The cast and crew will continue working through the New Year period and are expected to film continuously till the first week of January. This decision underscores the makers' intent to wrap up major portions of the film's shoot ahead of the original timeline.
The Driving Force: An Earlier Release on the Cards?
The primary reason behind this rushed, break-free schedule appears to be a revision in the film's release strategy. While 'Spirit' was initially slated for a December 2027 release, there is now a strong push to bring it to audiences much sooner.
Reports suggest that Sandeep Reddy Vanga is keen to have the cop action thriller ready for release by mid-2027. This ambitious target has prompted the production to fast-track the filming process, leading to the cancellation of the planned hiatus.
All About the Star-Studded 'Spirit'
'Spirit' marks a pivotal moment in Prabhas's career as it will be the first time audiences see him in the role of a fierce cop. He is set to portray a rebellious and intense character with, as hinted, "one bad habit."
The film boasts a powerful supporting cast. Following their successful collaboration in the blockbuster 'Animal', Triptii Dimri reunites with director Vanga, playing the female lead. In a major casting coup, Vivek Oberoi is reportedly essaying the role of the main antagonist. Industry insiders hint that Vanga has designed a character for Oberoi that could be as shockingly impactful as Bobby Deol's memorable role in 'Animal'.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj is also onboard in a key role. An audio teaser previously released by the makers featured his voice-over, suggesting he will be seen as a warden to Prabhas's character, who is portrayed as a convicted police officer.
This relentless shooting schedule highlights the high stakes and immense anticipation surrounding 'Spirit'. With a star director, a top-tier star in a new avatar, and a compelling ensemble, the film is already one of the most awaited projects in Indian cinema.