On the occasion of New Year 2026, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga gave cinema lovers a striking surprise by unveiling the first-look poster of Spirit, his much-anticipated collaboration with Rebel Star Prabhas. As the clock struck midnight, social media lit up with reactions to the poster, which immediately set the tone for what promises to be one of the most intense Indian films of 2026.
Staying true to his now-familiar New Year ritual—earlier seen during the promotions of Animal—Vanga once again chose the festive moment to tease fans. This time, however, the focus is on Spirit, a film that already carries massive expectations due to its scale, cast, and the director’s uncompromising storytelling style.
Breaking Down the Spirit First Look
The first-look poster features Prabhas shirtless, seen from the back, revealing a heavily muscular physique marked by visible bruises, scars, and bandages across his shoulder, arms, and back. His long hair, thick beard, and moustache lend a feral, unfiltered edge to the character, instantly reminding audiences of the raw masculinity seen in Vanga’s earlier protagonists.
Adding to the intensity, Triptii Dimri is shown standing close to Prabhas, lighting his cigarette, while he holds a glass of alcohol in his hand. The moment feels intimate yet unsettling, hinting at a relationship shaped by chaos, emotional damage, and unspoken tension. The grim, gritty aesthetic suggests a protagonist haunted by his past and driven by suppressed rage.
Sharing the poster, Prabhas simply wrote, “Here’s the first poster of #Spirit,” allowing the visual to speak for itself.
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Internet Reacts: “2026 Began With Rebel Roar”
Within minutes of the poster drop, the internet was flooded with reactions. Fans praised the return of Prabhas’ long-haired look, calling it edgy and powerful. Comments like “Powerful director and actor combo,” and “This is called a Sandeep Reddy Vanga film,” dominated social platforms. One fan summed up the excitement perfectly, writing, “2026 began with Rebel roar.”
Many also pointed out the visual parallels with Animal, particularly the raw physicality and emotional brutality, reinforcing Vanga’s signature cinematic language.
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About Spirit: What We Know So Far
Spirit is written, directed, and edited by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, marking his first collaboration with Prabhas. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Krishan Kumar, and Prabhakar Reddy Vanga, making it a major pan-Indian venture.
The makers are planning a multilingual release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, along with international versions in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean, highlighting the global ambitions of the project.
Vanga had earlier shared an audio teaser in five Indian languages on Prabhas’ 46th birthday last year, further fueling anticipation. The film officially went on floors recently and is slated for a 2026 release.
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Casting Controversy and Triptii Dimri’s Entry
Spirit remained in headlines last year after Deepika Padukone exited the project, reportedly over work-hour demands. While the actress was not named directly, Vanga addressed the situation through a strong social media statement criticizing PR narratives. Soon after, Triptii Dimri was confirmed as the female lead. Notably, Triptii has previously worked with Vanga in Animal (2023), earning acclaim for her performance.
A Ferocious New Avatar for Prabhas
With Spirit, Prabhas appears to be stepping into one of the most ferociously intense avatars of his career. The first look signals a film rooted in emotional trauma, violence, and moral conflict—elements that define Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s cinema.
As anticipation continues to build, Spirit has already established itself as one of the most talked-about Indian films of 2026, and this first look suggests that audiences should brace themselves for a dark, unapologetic, and explosive cinematic experience.
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