Jr NTR's Inputs For Dragon Were 'Brilliant,' Says Director Prashanth Neel: I Really Trust Him

Dragon

has gotten fans of South action cinema excited despite being more than a year away from release. Bringing together Jr NTR and filmmaker Prashanth Neel for the first time, the action drama will be a larger-than-life movie, with visuals and music playing a huge role. While fans have been eagerly discussing the film's recently released glimpse, Neel has now opened up about the years-long creative process behind the project and revealed the significant role played by Jr NTR in shaping the film's dramatic core. Speaking about the development of Dragon, Prashanth Neel disclosed that the film has been in the works for nearly five years!

Prashanth Neel talks about Jr NTR's involvement in Dragon

Prashanth revealed that while he began working on the film 5 years ago, writers only joined in couple of years later. In the meantime, he used to chat with Jr NTR regarding the movie. "I trust him with drama, when I go and talk to him I really trust him. It’s not because I have to go to my hero to get his approval, I really trust him," the filmmaker said.

Neel explained that his conversations with Jr NTR went far beyond routine script discussions. According to him, the actor became one of his most trusted creative sounding boards during the development process. "I usually go to an audience I trust and luckily for me NTR was absolutely phenomenal, the kind of inputs he’s put into this has been brilliant." He added that he was very happy to be in an environment around him where they could have 'conversation about drama.' Looks like Prashanth was not alone in the lengthy pre-production phase of Dragon, he had Jr NTR's support.

Is doing Dragon a risk for Jr NTR?

Neel also recently revealed in a chat with Galatta Plus that Dragon features what he considers the darkest character of his career. Speaking about his early discussions with the actor, the filmmaker recalled narrating the project to Jr NTR nearly five years ago. According to Neel, the actor was immediately intrigued by the film's premise but understood the challenges associated with portraying such a complex character. The director explained that while the teaser showcased the larger-than-life aspects of the role, the real challenge lay in the character's emotional and psychological layers.

The filmmaker noted that the role required Jr NTR to step into morally grey territory rarely explored by mainstream superstars. Neel revealed that they continuously discussed the motivations and actions of the protagonist to ensure every aspect felt authentic and believable. Their extensive discussions eventually led to a crucial scene written for the climax that helped solidify the actor's confidence in the project. "Let’s do it, even if it is a risky thing for me to do," Neel recalled the actor saying after understanding the complete emotional arc of the character.Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts, Dragon will release in five languages. The recently unveiled glimpse on Jr NTR's birthday added to the buzz of the film. Directed by Prashanth Neel and headlined by Jr NTR, Dragon is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 11, 2027.