Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga is taking full creative control over Spirit, the upcoming film starring pan-India star Prabhas. Known for his intense storytelling, Vanga is treating this project as a passion piece—and he wants nothing less than complete dedication from the lead actor.
For the first time in years, Prabhas will be giving bulk dates to a single director. Starting in September, he will pause all other projects to focus entirely on Spirit. This move is surprising, as the actor is usually seen juggling two or more films at once, often starting one shoot before finishing the last.
Vanga has reportedly asked Prabhas not to take up any other films during this period, warning that changes in physical appearance could affect continuity. With Prabhas playing a police officer, the role demands a new look, body language, and dialogue style. A detailed transformation plan is already underway.
The actor is currently racing to wrap up the shoot for Raja Saab, which is set to release on 5 December. Meanwhile, Fauji, a period drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, is only halfway complete. That project may now be postponed, as all attention shifts to Spirit.
Industry insiders are comparing Vanga’s strong grip on Spirit to the kind of control director Rajamouli exercised during the Baahubali era. Many believe Vanga is the only filmmaker since then to design Prabhas’ role so closely and demand undivided focus.
With tight planning already underway in pre-production, Spirit promises to be a defining film for both the actor and the director, potentially showcasing a new side of Prabhas like never before.