Overview
- Jr NTR returned to active shooting in mid‑October after completing surgery and rehabilitation for a right‑shoulder AC joint tendon injury.
- Reports say he underwent arthroscopic surgery in July–August and then took roughly three months off for recovery and physiotherapy before rejoining the set.
- During his absence the production continued by filming supporting‑cast scenes, including work involving Anil Kapoor, while the current schedule is underway at Ramoji Film City.
- With the lead back, makers plan to accelerate remaining principal photography and post‑production to keep the June 11, 2027 pan‑India release on track.
- Dragon is the first collaboration between Jr NTR and director Prashanth Neel and is being mounted as a large, gritty 1967 period action drama centered on an international opium syndicate, which helps explain the tight schedule and high stakes for the cast and crew.