by Inside the superstar’s most daring cinematic leap yet
For decades, Telugu cinema has been fueled by stars who push the limits of physicality, passion, and performance. But every now and then, a superstar decides not just to raise the bar—but to shatter it entirely.
In 2025, that star is Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., better known as NTR Jr., who is preparing for what insiders are calling the most dangerous and demanding phase of his career.
His upcoming collaboration with blockbuster director Prashanth Neel, tentatively titled Dragon, has already created a frenzy across Indian cinema. But the buzz has now amplified for a far bolder reason:
NTR Jr has decided to perform every single stunt himself—no body doubles, no safety net, no shortcuts.
Next month, December 2025, the superstar will spend nearly the entire month shooting action sequences at Ramoji Film City, often in grueling night schedules, for stunts that sources describe as “far riskier” than anything he has attempted in the past.
And here’s the surprising twist—he hasn’t even informed his family about the extent of the danger involved.
What prompted such a massive shift? What do these stunts involve? How is the film industry reacting?
Let’s dive deep into the full story.
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The Beginning of a New Era in Indian Action Cinema
Indian cinema has seen a monumental shift in recent years. Audiences have evolved, demand for realism has grown, and global exposure has set new benchmarks.
Filmmakers today are leaning towards gritty, immersive action sequences that rely on authenticity rather than exaggerated choreography.
This shift has sparked what insiders jokingly call “The Tom Cruise Effect.”
Hollywood’s action icon, known for performing death-defying stunts, has influenced a wave of Indian stars as well:
• Shah Rukh Khan took on intense physical sequences in Jawan
• Hrithik Roshan returned with raw, practical combat in Fighter
• Salman Khan, the biggest surprise, ditched extensive use of body doubles for his new film
• Allu Arjun, for Pushpa 2, pushed extreme limits in its jungle sequences
• Prabhas, in Kalki 2898 AD, performed wire stunts and high-impact action
Now, NTR Jr is not only joining the movement—he’s leading it.
After his globally acclaimed performance in RRR, where he shared some of the most memorable stunt scenes with Ram Charan, NTR has unlocked a new international fan base.
He is aware that expectations are sky-high for his next big release.
And he wants every frame to show him—the real NTR—pushing the boundaries.
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Why NTR Jr Said No to Body Doubles This Time
A source close to the development revealed a striking detail:
“Tarak is very clear that the days of body doubles are over. Every superstar is doing their own stunts now, and so is NTR.”
But what’s behind this decision?
1. A Larger-than-Life Vision for Dragon
Prashanth Neel, the mastermind behind KGF and Salaar, is known for staging elaborate, high-voltage action.
For Dragon, he reportedly wants to craft a dark, intense, fiery world, where the protagonist is both superhuman and vulnerable.
To match this vision, authenticity is essential—and Neel wants NTR’s presence in every frame.
2. Global Expectations Post-RRR
After RRR won an Oscar and became a global action phenomenon, actors from the film—including NTR—are under unprecedented international scrutiny.
Fans across continents expect realism and commitment.
3. Personal Reinvention
NTR is entering a new chapter of his career.
After years of balancing mass films with performance-heavy roles, he wants to evolve into a pan-India, globally recognized action star.
Doing his own stunts is a powerful declaration of that evolution.
4. Industry-Wide Trend
Stunt doubles are no longer the default choice.
Stars want to physically own their characters, making performances more believable and visually impactful.
NTR is not just following this trend—he seems determined to one-up it.
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The Dangerous December Nights: What’s About to Happen?
The core stunt block will be shot in December at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad—a location known for hosting some of the biggest films in Indian history.
Night Shoots: A Grueling Test of Endurance
These sequences will reportedly be filmed mostly at night, stretching late into the cold December mornings.
Night shoots are notoriously draining:
• Lower temperatures cause physical stiffness
• Energy levels dip
• Reaction times slow down
• Lighting conditions make stunts more complex
• Safety risks increase significantly
Add to this the nature of the stunts—which are described as heart-in-the-mouth—and you have a cocktail of danger, grit, and cinematic ambition.
Duration of the Stunt Schedule
The current plan:
• Three full weeks of intense night shoots
• An additional week may be added if needed
• Nearly 25–28 nights of high-octane action
For any actor, this is an extreme commitment.
For someone performing every stunt personally, the difficulty is doubled.
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What Do These Stunts Involve?
While the production has kept details tightly guarded, insiders suggest the following:
1. Large-Scale Fire Sequences
The title Dragon itself hints at fiery themes.
Sources say some scenes involve massive fire simulations, where the star must navigate explosions, flames, and collapsing sets.
2. Hand-to-Hand Combat with Minimal VFX
Prashanth Neel prefers raw, gritty fights.
Expect sequences involving weapons, multiple attackers, and close-range combat.
3. High-Speed Vehicle Chases
Neel has previously delivered some thrilling chase scenes.
For Dragon, NTR may have to ride or drive high-speed vehicles under dangerous conditions—without a double.
4. A Suspended Action Set-Piece
Rumor has it that one block involves NTR suspended several feet in the air, performing vigorous action movements while battling simulated winds and pyrotechnics.
5. Parkour-Style Movement
This may include running across uneven surfaces, jumping from structures, or navigating collapsing props.
These stunts are not just physically challenging—they require extreme mental focus and detailed preparation.
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The Secret Element: NTR Hasn’t Told His Family
One of the most intriguing (and shocking) revelations is that NTR has reportedly not informed his wife, Lakshmi Pranathi, or his children about the hazardous stunts he plans to perform.
This is unusual for the actor, who is known to be deeply family-oriented and typically transparent with his loved ones.
Why keep it secret?
Possibility 1: Avoiding Worry
Stunt schedules like these can be frightening for family members.
NTR may want to spare them unnecessary anxiety until after filming is complete.
Possibility 2: Focus and Mental Preparation
When an actor knows their family is deeply worried, it creates additional emotional pressure.
Perhaps he wants to remain fully focused on the task.
Possibility 3: Professional Detachment
This project is being treated with the seriousness of a global action film.
NTR may be maintaining a professional boundary until he crosses this phase.
Possibility 4: A Surprising Reveal Later
Knowing NTR’s warm relationship with his family, he may plan to share the full behind-the-scenes story once the film’s trailer is ready or the stunts are completed safely.
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How Director Prashanth Neel Is Preparing for This
Prashanth Neel is known for pushing his actors—but not recklessly.
On every set, safety is paramount.
For Dragon, the production team is reportedly taking extreme safety measures:
• Advanced stunt coordinators from multiple countries
• Reinforced rigging structures
• High-precision pyrotechnics
• Additional medical personnel on set
• Continuous rehearsals and simulations
• On-site physiotherapy support
• Real-time monitoring systems
• Emergency action protocols
• Custom-designed protective gear hidden beneath costumes
Neel understands that the star’s safety is everything.
But he also knows that authenticity is what will set Dragon apart from every other Indian action film.
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NTR’s Physical and Mental Prep: More Intense Than Ever
To survive a stunt schedule like this, preparation must be holistic.
1. Physical Conditioning
Insiders say NTR has been:
• Training 2–3 hours daily
• Doing strength conditioning
• Practicing agility drills
• Doing core-focused routines
• Maintaining a controlled diet
• Working with new stunt trainers
• Enhancing flexibility to avoid injuries
2. Stunt Rehearsals
Before full-scale shooting, he must master:
• Combat choreography
• High-impact landings
• Body balance
• Grip techniques
• Fire-resistant movement patterns
• Rigging safety protocols
3. Mental Training
Stunts like these can be mentally exhausting.
Actors must overcome:
• Fear of injury
• Fatigue
• Pressure
• Technical complexities
• Emotional strain from long night shoots
Meditation, breathing exercises, and visualization techniques are reportedly part of his routine.
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Where This Fits Into NTR’s Career Trajectory
NTR Jr has always balanced commercial appeal with acting depth.
But Dragon could redefine him entirely.
1. A Pan-India Identity
After RRR, NTR became a household name across India.
Dragon will cement that image, especially among action film audiences.
2. A Hollywood-Friendly Reputation
Hollywood studios admire actors who perform their own stunts.
This could enhance NTR’s global acting profile.
3. A New NTR for the Next Decade
This project may mark the beginning of:
• More high-budget films
• Deeper physical roles
• International collaborations
• Franchise opportunities
• Next-level action hero branding
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Audience Expectations: Sky-High
Fans are already buzzing:
• Social media is filled with excitement
• Fan clubs are tracking every update
• Trade analysts predict record-breaking hype
• International RRR fans are tagging global film bloggers
People want to see NTR push limits like never before.
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What This Means for Indian Cinema
If Dragon succeeds in creating authentic stunt sequences without body doubles, it could:
• Encourage more practical action in Indian films
• Reduce dependence on CGI
• Increase demand for professional stunt training
• Push actors to invest more in physical craft
• Make India a player in the global action genre
• Inspire younger stars to take risks responsibly
The ripple effects could be huge.
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Conclusion: The Fire That Will Shape a Legacy
NTR Jr is entering December with a mission—not just to shoot an action sequence, but to reinvent the Indian action film narrative.
Performing stunts without a body double is not just a physical challenge—it’s a statement of grit, commitment, and artistic intensity.
NTR is telling the world:
“I’m ready to push myself beyond anything I’ve done before.”
With Prashanth Neel’s vision guiding him, a fiercely dedicated crew backing him, and millions of fans cheering for him, the December stunt schedule for Dragon could become a historic moment—not just in his career, but in Indian cinema as a whole.
