Spirit first look: Prabhas shows up in bruised Avatar

Sandeep Reddy Vanga delivers a “New Year Blast” with the first official poster for the gritty cop drama; Prabhas sports a shirtless, wounded avatar as he steps into the “Vanga Zone.”

January 1, 2026: As the clock struck midnight to usher in Thursday, January 1, 2026, the makers of Spirit broke the internet by unveiling the first look of the “Rebel Star” Prabhas in his most visceral role to date.

Following the promotional playbook of his previous blockbuster Animal, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga used the New Year countdown to introduce his “Ajanubahu”—a protagonist described as a force of nature.

The Poster: “Wounded Lion” & “Quiet Intensity”

The first look offers a stark, unfiltered glimpse into the film’s atmosphere:

The Avatar: A bare-chested Prabhas stands with his back to the camera, showcasing a muscular physique covered in bruises, scars, and bandages. He sports long, rugged hair and a thick beard, holding a liquor bottle in one hand.
The “Animal” Vibe: In a moment of quiet intimacy amidst the carnage, Triptii Dimri is seen in a simple, muted-toned saree, calmly lighting a cigarette held between Prabhas’ lips.
The Character: Prabhas reportedly plays an IPS officer and academy topper whose “one bad habit” and volatile conduct lead him down a path of violence and inner demons.

A Global Cinematic Expansion

Spirit is being mounted on a massive scale, with the makers confirming a Pan-World release strategy.

Region	Languages
Indian Markets	Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam
International	Mandarin, Japanese, Korean

Cast Update: The film features a powerhouse ensemble including Vivek Oberoi (reportedly the antagonist), Prakash Raj, and veteran actress Kanchana. Deepika Padukone was initially in talks for the lead, but Triptii Dimri officially stepped in after scheduling conflicts arose.

Production & Technical Crew

Director/Writer/Editor: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Music: Harshavardhan Rameshwar (who notably prepared 70% of the BGM before filming even began).
Cinematography: Raj Thota (Arjun Reddy fame).
Mahurat Special: The film’s launch ceremony featured Megastar Chiranjeevi as the guest of honor, further cementing its status as one of 2026’s biggest events.