A fresh casting twist may be on the horizon for one of the most anticipated pan-India actioners. Jr NTR’s upcoming film NTRNeel, tentatively titled Dragon, is already generating buzz, and new reports suggest a major addition to the cast could further elevate the project.
According to a report by Telugu Chitraalu, Shahid Kapoor is currently in discussions with the makers to play the primary antagonist in the film. The development comes after Tovino Thomas reportedly exited the project due to scheduling conflicts with his Malayalam film commitments. While Shahid is said to be a strong contender for the role, there has been no official confirmation from the team so far.
The film is being directed by Prashanth Neel, known for his high octane storytelling style, which has already heightened expectations around the project. If the casting materialises, it would mark an exciting face off between Jr NTR and Shahid Kapoor on the big screen.
NTRNeel was earlier slated for a theatrical release on June 25, 2026. However, reports indicate that the film may not meet this date, with a revised release schedule yet to be announced. While the complete cast lineup is still under wraps, Rukmini Vasanth is expected to play the female lead, and Anil Kapoor is likely to feature in a key role.
Jr NTR was last seen in War 2 alongside Hrithik Roshan, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The actor is now undergoing a major physical transformation for NTRNeel, signalling a demanding and intense role ahead.
On the other hand, Shahid Kapoor was recently seen in O’Romeo, alongside Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Disha Patani. Looking ahead, he is set to appear in Cocktail 2 alongside Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna, scheduled for release on June 19, 2026.
While the casting remains unconfirmed, the possibility of Shahid Kapoor stepping into a negative role opposite Jr NTR has already sparked excitement among fans, making NTRNeel one of the most closely watched projects in the pipeline