Director Prashanth Neel and Jr NTR have joined forces for the highly anticipated action film 'Dragon'. On the occasion of Jr NTR's birthday, the makers unveiled the title teaser, introducing his character as an assassin named Luger. The project has been one of the most awaited in Indian cinema, and recently, Prashanth Neel shared insights into their extensive pre-production process.
Three and a Half Years of Collaboration
In an interview with Gallata Plus, Prashanth Neel disclosed that he and Jr NTR spent nearly three and a half years discussing and shaping the film before cameras started rolling. The director emphasized the actor's deep involvement during the writing stage, where they would meticulously go over scenes and shots. "We have been writing this drama together for at least three and a half years before starting the film. He used to discuss so many shots with me, and that gave me a lot of confidence," Prashanth stated.
Jr NTR: An Extremely Intelligent Actor
Prashanth Neel lauded Jr NTR's profound understanding of cinema and acting. He noted that the actor regularly watches world cinema and possesses a keen grasp of character nuances. According to the director, Jr NTR already had a clear vision of how the role of Luger should be portrayed. "He watches world cinema and knows exactly how a character needs to be played. I wanted him to do something different, and that is exactly what he delivered," he shared.
The filmmaker went on to compare Jr NTR's energy to a "nuclear plant", describing how the actor brings immense passion and power to every project, fully dedicated to films and storytelling.
No Obsession with Mass Image
Prashanth Neel also revealed that Jr NTR never prioritized his mass hero image while working on 'Dragon'. Instead, the actor focused solely on the story and drama. "He knows the mass moments will come naturally with the drama," the director explained. Prashanth added that collaborating with the 'RRR' star transformed his own approach to storytelling, pushing him to delve deeper into narrative intricacies.
Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Jr NTR, 'Dragon' features a stellar ensemble cast including Anil Kapoor, Ashutosh Rana, Rukmini Vasanth, and Biju Menon in pivotal roles. The film is shaping up to be a major cinematic event, with fans eagerly awaiting its release.
