In a significant milestone for Telugu cinema, the highly anticipated film Spirit, starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, officially commenced production with a traditional muhurat puja in Hyderabad on Saturday.
The event, marked by fervent industry enthusiasm, featured Megastar Chiranjeevi as the chief guest, who blessed the proceedings and sounded the inaugural clapboard.
This ceremonial launch underscores the film’s ambitious scope as a pan-India action drama, poised to captivate audiences across multiple languages.
The puja, organized by producers Bhushan Kumar of T-Series and Pranay Reddy Vanga of Bhadrakali Pictures, brought together key team members in a secure, intimate setting.
Lead actress Triptii Dimri, stepping into Telugu cinema following her breakout performance in Vanga’s Animal, attended in traditional attire and posed with the director and producers.
Prabhas, the film’s lead, was present for the rituals but avoided the limelight to maintain secrecy around his character’s appearance, a tactic aimed at heightening fan anticipation.
Shiv Chanana and other crew members also participated, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared his gratitude on X, posting:
“Heartfelt thank you to our MEGASTAR CHIRANJEEVI sir for blessing the event with his presence. Sir….. your gesture is unforgettable — we all love you 🙏 @KChiruTweets 🙏 #SPIRIT MUHURTHAM.”
Accompanied by event photos, the post rapidly gained traction, reflecting Chiranjeevi’s iconic status in South Indian film circles.
Spirit is envisioned as a high-stakes cop action thriller, with Prabhas portraying a resolute police officer clashing with a formidable criminal syndicate.
Vanga, known for his raw, emotionally intense storytelling in films like Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh, has described this as one of his most ambitious ventures.
An audio teaser, dubbed the “Sound Story,” was released on Prabhas’ birthday in October, featuring a prison setting and the intriguing line:
“Sir, since childhood, I have had one bad habit.”
This snippet has fueled speculation about themes of personal turmoil and redemption.
The cast includes Triptii Dimri as the female lead, marking a novel pairing with Prabhas.
Reports indicate Korean actor Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), renowned for Train to Busan and Eternals, will play the antagonist, adding an international flair.
Supporting roles feature Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj, and Kanchana, enriching the ensemble.
Notably, Deepika Padukone was originally in talks for the heroine’s role but stepped away due to scheduling and creative differences, leading to Dimri’s casting.
Production is now underway, starting in Hyderabad with plans for shoots in international locales like Mexico.
The film will be released in multiple languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Chinese, targeting a global audience.
While an exact date is pending, industry sources point to May 14, 2026, as a potential window, aligning with Prabhas’ busy lineup, including The Raja Saab.
Chiranjeevi’s participation symbolizes mentorship and continuity in Tollywood, bridging veteran legacy with contemporary stardom.
For Prabhas, fresh off Kalki 2898 AD‘s success, Spirit offers a chance to explore edgier, action-driven roles under Vanga’s direction.
Analysts predict blockbuster potential, bolstered by T-Series’ robust marketing and Vanga’s proven box-office draw.
As filming progresses, Spirit promises a blend of visceral action, psychological depth, and cross-cultural appeal, positioning it as a key release in 2026’s cinematic landscape.
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