Not shelved or delayed: Prabhas' 'Salaar 2' to start in June 2027 after Prashanth Neel brings out NTR Jr's 'Dragon'

Director Prashanth Neel has confirmed that "Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam" is scheduled to start rolling in June 2027. The announcement quashes rumours that the much-awaited action film had been cancelled or delayed indefinitely. Produced by Hombale Films, the sequel will bring back Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles.

Neel shared the update during a promotional interaction with Prabhas for the upcoming horror film "418", which he is presenting. The conversation took place around Prabhas's 47th birthday. When the actor jokingly asked the director for a birthday gift, Neel responded with the news that fans had been waiting to hear: filming for "Salaar 2" would begin in June 2027.

The sequel is expected to release in the summer of 2028, although the release date has not been officially confirmed. The film will be made in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam, aiming to reach audiences across India.

The story is expected to continue from the dramatic ending of "Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire". The sequel will take audiences back to Khansaar, a fictional city-state where power struggles and political rivalries threaten to turn into a full-scale civil war. At the heart of the story is the complicated relationship between childhood friends Deva (Prabhas) and Varadharaja Mannar (Prithviraj Sukumaran). Their friendship faces its biggest test as their ambitions and identities threaten to disrupt their shared history.

A major part of the sequel will explore Deva's origins and his connection to the Shouryaanga tribe, which was believed to have been wiped out. Deva's identity as the tribe's rightful heir is expected to play a key role in the battle for Khansaar. Meanwhile, Varadha's efforts to strengthen his position as ruler could place the former friends on opposite sides of a brutal war.

The main "Salaar - Part 2" cast is expected to include Shruti Haasan as Aadya, Sriya Reddy as Radha Rama Mannar and Jagapathi Babu as Raja Mannar. The film's music will once again be composed by Ravi Basrur, who has worked closely with Neel on creating the intense atmosphere associated with the franchise.

Reports also suggest that the makers are looking for a senior actor to play Dhaara, Deva's father and the original leader of the Shouryaanga tribe. The character is expected to appear in important flashback scenes that reveal more about the tribe's history and its destruction. However, the casting details have yet to be officially confirmed.

Meanwhile, speculation continues about a possible appearance by Yash as Rocky Bhai from the "KGF" franchise. Both series share creative connections through Neel, Hombale Films and composer Ravi Basrur. However, Neel has indicated that the two fictional worlds remain separate, and no crossover has been confirmed.

Before beginning "Salaar 2", Neel is expected to finish "Dragon", his action epic starring Jr. NTR, previously referred to as #NTR31. Production plans were adjusted after Jr. NTR suffered a minor hand injury that required surgery. The actor has since returned to work, with the remaining filming expected to include dialogue scenes and major action sequences.

The team plans to complete filming by the end of 2026 and focus on visual effects, sound design and other post-production work in early 2027. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 11, 2027, according to its producers, Mythri Movie Makers.