The highly anticipated first look of "Spirit," the pan-India film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga starring Prabhas, was revealed at midnight on New Year's Day 2026. The poster quickly ignited social media, with fans eagerly dissecting every detail of this first glimpse into the high-impact cinematic collaboration.
The first look features Prabhas in a never-before-seen avatar. Sporting long hair, a full beard with a mustache, and visible wounds and bandages across his back, he holds a glass of alcohol in one hand. Adding to the intensity, Triptii Dimri, dressed in a simple saree, is seen calmly lighting a cigarette for him. The poster exudes a raw and powerful energy, hinting at the film's intense narrative. Vanga himself shared the poster on social media, writing, "INDIAN CINEMA.... witness your AJANUBAHUDU / AJANUBAHU Happy New Year 2026 #SpiritFirstLook".
"Spirit" marks the first collaboration between Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his intense and impactful storytelling as seen in "Arjun Reddy" and "Animal". The film also marks Triptii Dimri's first on-screen collaboration with Prabhas, and her second project with Vanga after "Animal". The film has already generated buzz due to a casting change earlier in the year, with Triptii Dimri replacing Deepika Padukone, who exited the project citing work-hour concerns. Besides Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, the film features Vivek Oberoi and Kanchana in pivotal roles.
The decision to release the first look at the start of the new year appears to be a calculated promotional strategy, mirroring Vanga's approach with "Animal," which also saw a New Year's announcement. This strategy aims to generate significant online buzz and anticipation for the film.
"Spirit" is produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, with Bhushan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Krishan Kumar and Prabhakar Reddy Vanga serving as producers. Harshavardhan Rameshwar is the music composer for the film. Reports suggest that Prabhas will be playing a former IPS officer with conduct issues. The film is being mounted on a grand scale, aligning with Vanga's signature style and Prabhas' pan-India stardom. With its intriguing first look and a powerful team behind it, "Spirit" is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026.
