In a recent candid interview, acclaimed filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga offered a deep dive into the creative process behind the arresting first look poster for his highly anticipated upcoming film, 'Spirit'. The poster, featuring lead stars Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, had set social media ablaze with speculation upon its release in early January 2026, and Vanga has now set the record straight on its symbolism and intent.
Decoding the Dramatic First Look
The promotional conversation, hosted by People Media Factory, provided fresh insights into the now-iconic imagery. The poster presents a tense, dramatic tableau of Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, with Prabhas sporting a rugged look that marked a significant departure from his previous roles. The staging and specific props within the frame became a major point of discussion online.
Many fans and observers had interpreted certain elements as drinking glasses, leading to theories about the characters' personas. Vanga directly addressed and corrected these assumptions. "That's a 1 litre bottle, it looks like a glass in his hand. People also thought that another glass is placed on the railing, and both husband and wife are drinking in the poster," the director clarified.
He emphasized that these visual elements were not standalone symbolic choices about alcohol consumption. Instead, they were extracted directly from a pivotal scene within the movie's narrative and repurposed to create a compelling promotional image that hints at the film's atmospheric depth.
A Director's Vision: Presenting Prabhas Post-Baahubali
The interview took an interesting turn when Prabhas himself, intrigued by the poster's concept, asked Vanga about its origin. "The idea of the poster is crazy. How did you get that idea?" Prabhas inquired.
This question prompted Vanga to elaborate on his core creative motivation. A primary goal was to reintroduce Prabhas to audiences in a completely new avatar, moving beyond the actor's globally celebrated performance in the 'Baahubali' series. Vanga explained his thought process, stating he wanted something profoundly evocative and memorable. "That is cut from a scene of the film, and I thought how should I present him after Baahubali? It has to be something so, yeah," he remarked. This highlights his deliberate aim to craft an image that resonates powerfully while teasing the film's narrative tone.
Prabhas did not hold back his praise for the final result, calling it a career milestone. "It is my best poster till now. No doubt. It is a cult poster," the actor declared. This strong endorsement has further fueled the excitement and ongoing dialogue among fans and film critics alike.
Behind the Scenes Glimpses and Film Details
Beyond the poster discussion, Vanga also shared a humanizing anecdote about working with the famously reserved Prabhas. "I heard that Prabhas is a shy man and all that, but his shyness is on another level. It is just too much," Vanga said with candor, offering a glimpse into their director-actor dynamic during production.
Slated for release in 2027, 'Spirit' is an action drama that follows the journey of a disgraced police officer fiercely determined to reclaim his honour. This premise sets the stage for complex character development and high emotional stakes. The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including seasoned performers Prakash Raj and Vivek Oberoi, alongside Prabhas and Triptii Dimri.
Industry analysts note that the strategic reveal of the poster, followed by Vanga's detailed explanation, is a masterful move in building sustained anticipation. It successfully positions 'Spirit' as one of the most eagerly awaited Indian cinematic projects of 2027, keeping audiences engaged in the long lead-up to its release.
