YRF halts Jr NTR’s Agent Vikram spin-off after War 2 flop? Here's what we know

Summary:

• YRF cancels NTR Jr’s standalone Agent Vikram film after War 2 fails at the box office.

• NTR Jr exits the Spy Universe following the film’s commercial setback.

• Studio shifts focus to Alia Bhatt and Sharvari’s female-led spy thriller Alpha, slated for Christmas 2025.

Yash Raj Films' (YRF) ambitious Spy Universe is being reevaluated in light of the devastating impact of War 2 on the company's bottom line. Even though it was touted as one of the banner's biggest hits, the film bombed both the box office and critics' offices, causing major financial losses for everyone involved. This setback has led studio chief Aditya Chopra to decide to scrap the standalone feature starring NTR Jr as Agent Vikram.However, the latest reports suggest that the star will not be working on the standalone project anytime soon, as he needs to complete both the Prashanth Neel directorial and Devara Part 2 first.

Planned Agent Vikram spin-off put on hold

According to an insider who spoke with Bollywood Hungama, YRF had grand ambitions to create a spin-off of the Agent Vikram persona and cash in on NTR Jr's Pan-India success. The creative team at YRF had already begun working on an Agent Vikram solo film before War 2 bombed.

Since the success of Ek Tha Tiger, War, and Pathaan, the Spy Universe has been YRF's most prominent franchise, and this decision marks a significant shift in the company's expansion aspirations. According to reports, Chopra is adjusting his approach after War 2 bombed.

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NTR Jr exits YRF’s Spy Universe

In addition, the source said that Chopra had informed NTR Jr that the Agent Vikram film was no longer a viable option. After agreeing with the filmmaker's stance, the Man of Masses has graciously let go of the banner. No longer would he be a part of the Spy Universe; the prospect of a standalone Agent Vikram film as a sequel to War 2 was a requirement for signing on for the project.

Despite the initial euphoria that his casting aroused among fans, this development effectively ends NTR Jr's brief affiliation with YRF’s Spy Universe. The studio has rethought his role in War 2 due to the commercial outcome, which was intended to be a stepping stone to a larger presence in the franchise.

It is said that NTR has a deal with the series for multiple films, which includes his standalone hero film. Nevertheless, this report is not new; rumours have it that NTR was meant to start shooting with Prashanth Neel and Devara 2 following War 2. Therefore, these two films are not delaying YRF's project with NTR.

The plan all along was for Jr. NTR to begin filming his next film with Prashanth Neel after War 2 and then Devara 2, according to an unaffiliated source in the business. Everything is in motion as the team gets ready.

Prashanth Neel's upcoming film starring NTR is pencilled in as Dragon for those who are unaware. Janhvi Kapoor and the actor co-starred in the 2024 film Devara, which hit theatres last year.

YRF's next big gamble

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari's Alpha is YRF's big gamble moving forward. The female-led spy thriller is now planned to arrive around Christmas 2025, and it is being marketed as the next instalment in the Spy Universe.

Industry observers have noticed that, despite the studio's turbulent big-screen intentions, recalibration could assist YRF in making more streamlined creative decisions regarding the franchise's future.

FAQs:

Q: What is the next film in the YRF Spy Universe?

A: The next chapter of the YRF Spy Universe is titled Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, with a tentative release planned for Christmas 2025.

Q: Will NTR Jr return to YRF in future projects?

A: Currently, NTR Jr is no longer part of the YRF Spy Universe, and there are no announced plans for him to return.

Q: Did NTR Jr leave YRF after the cancellation?

A: Yes, NTR Jr agreed with Aditya Chopra’s decision and parted ways with YRF on amicable terms, as the solo Agent Vikram film was a key condition for his involvement in War 2.