YRF had a significant investment in Junior NTR, aiming to establish his presence in the South by casting him as a villain in ‘War 2’. However, the film faced setbacks due to issues with the narrative. Telugu fans expressed dissatisfaction with his portrayal, and some criticized his acting. The film, budgeted at ₹400 crore, has struggled to cross ₹200 crore in India within seven days. Despite the challenges with ‘War 2,’ Junior NTR has already begun preparations for his next project.
‘War 2’ is unlikely to recover its budget. News has emerged regarding Junior NTR’s upcoming film with Prashanth Neel, tentatively titled ‘Dragon.’ Notably, ₹15 crore has been invested in the preparations for this film. The production team for ‘Dragon’ has created a massive set designed to resemble a home, which is crucial for the film’s storyline and specifically for Junior NTR’s character. The makers have paid close attention to every detail of the set, including the color palette, handcrafted items, and decorative elements.
Prashanth Neel recently completed a schedule in Kumta, between Mumbai and Mangalore. Coastal areas were used as backdrops for some key scenes. Additional sets have been constructed in Ramoji Film City. This is a pan-India film, where Junior NTR will be seen in full action mode. The film is slated for release in 2026. Previously, Junior NTR’s films haven’t performed well, and the film ‘Devra’ was rejected by audiences.
