One of this year’s most hyped films, War 2, was expected to be a pan-India blockbuster with Hrithik Roshan leading as the hero and Junior NTR making a powerful Bollywood debut as the villain. But despite a massive ₹400 crore budget, the film underperformed at the box office, dealing a blow to Junior NTR’s comeback plans.

His previous outing, Devara, also failed to meet expectations despite grossing ₹292 crore in India, leaving the actor under pressure to deliver a major hit. Now, all eyes are on his upcoming collaboration with Prashanth Neel, which is set to be his next big release.

According to reports, the film — tentatively titled Dragon — will not only feature high-octane action but also an emotional storyline. Neel, who helmed KGF and Salaar, has been developing the project alongside NTR for a long time, making it one of the most anticipated films of 2025.

Adding to the excitement, speculation is rife that Rishabh Shetty of Kantara fame may play a key role in Dragon. While the makers have not confirmed his casting, industry buzz suggests his inclusion is likely due to his camaraderie with Junior NTR. Shetty’s Kantara was a nationwide phenomenon, earning over ₹350 crore in India, and his presence could boost Dragon’s prospects even further.

The film is expected to go on floors soon, with a possible October 2 release date. However, an official announcement about Rishabh Shetty’s entry may only come after the release of Kantara Chapter 1.

For Junior NTR, whose last two films didn’t meet expectations, Dragon represents not just another release but a potential turning point in his career.