Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor is in advanced talks to join Jr NTR’s big‑budget Telugu action film Dragon (also referred as NTR–Neel film), directed by Prashanth Neel, as the primary antagonist, replacing Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas who exited the project. The reports are still unofficial, but multiple trade outlets say the makers are keen on Shahid Kapoor for the pivotal negative role opposite Jr NTR’s mass‑oriented hero.
Why Tovino Thomas left
Tovino Thomas was initially onboard to play the antagonist, but he stepped out due to scheduling conflicts with his busy Malayalam‑film lineup and the long call‑sheet requirement of this pan‑India project. His exit created a search for a high‑profile replacement, and the team is now reportedly closing in on Shahid Kapoor, who would mark another major Bollywood crossover into Prashanth Neel’s hard‑hitting action universe.
Other casting and project status
Alongside Jr NTR in the lead, the film is expected to feature Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead and Anil Kapoor in a key supporting role, continuing the template of blending South‑star mass appeal with Bollywood star power. The project, tentatively titled Dragon / NTR 31, was earlier slated for a June 25, 2026 release, but that date appears uncertain now as the team also refines the script and finalises casting, with no official date or cast confirmation yet from the production house or director.
–Samuthiran
