Tovino Thomas Opts Out Of Jr NTR’s Film With Prashanth Neel, Cites Date Issues

Big projects, bigger expectations and sometimes, tricky schedules. Actor Tovino Thomas has now shared an update that may come as a surprise to fans tracking the much-anticipated collaboration between Jr NTR and director Prashanth Neel.

The actor confirmed that he is no longer associated with the upcoming Telugu film, widely referred to as Dragon. The project, first announced in 2022, has remained one of the most talked-about ventures in recent times, though updates have been limited in recent months.

Speaking during promotions for his Malayalam film Pallichattambi in Hyderabad, Tovino addressed speculation about his involvement and clarified his decision to step away from the film. “It is really hard to allocate dates, so I am not doing it,” he said.

He further explained the scheduling challenges that influenced his choice, highlighting differences in working styles across industries. “I don’t do multiple films at once. In Malayalam, we finish a film in one schedule. But in Telugu, a single project takes almost a year. I can give 3 months, not an entire year,” he said.

The film, which brings together Jr NTR and filmmaker Prashanth Neel, was officially announced on the actor’s birthday in 2022. Production began with a pooja ceremony in Hyderabad on August 9, and the project has since generated considerable anticipation.

Jr NTR reportedly joined the sets on April 22 after completing work on his Bollywood debut War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and co-starring Hrithik Roshan.

While the title Dragon has been widely circulated, the makers have not officially confirmed it. The film’s official social media handles had earlier announced a theatrical release date of June 26, 2026, sharing the message: “26 June 2026…The Most striking tale ever to erupt from the Soil of Indian Cinema. A special glimpse for the Man of Masses @tarak9999’s birthday. #NTRNeel.”

Despite Tovino Thomas’ exit, the film continues to remain one of the most awaited releases in Telugu cinema.