Sandeep Reddy Vanga films Prabhas starrer Spirit at Vimal Theatre and Chanchalguda Jail

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has taken the production of his upcoming cop drama Spirit, starring Prabhas, directly onto the organic streets of Hyderabad, filming at the iconic Vimal Theatre and Chanchalguda Central Jail. This marks a significant shift for the actor, who has recently relied heavily on CGI, green screens, and studio sets for his films.

The decision to shoot in authentic outdoor locations departs from the production patterns of Prabhas's post-Baahubali films, such as Saaho, Radheshyam, and Adipurush. Those projects were heavily driven by larger-than-life backdrops, which required directors to rely on tightly controlled studio sets and artificial environments rather than real-world settings.

For Spirit, Vanga has opted for a raw and realistic approach. The director shot high-octane sequences at the Vimal Theatre in Hyderabad a few days prior to June 22, 2026. Following that schedule, the production moved to film a crucial sequence at the Chanchalguda Central Jail, with Prabhas participating in both outdoor shoots.

Audiences and critics had previously complained that the artificial environments of Prabhas's recent films diluted his naturally raw, grounding screen presence that was prominent before Baahubali. By moving the shoot to real-world locations in Hyderabad, Vanga aims to restore this screen presence and address the growing criticism.

Directors who have previously worked with Prabhas have noted that the actor typically prefers shooting in quieter places with fewer crowds. However, Vanga, known for directing blockbusters like Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, and Animal, is bypassing these preferences to deliver a more organic aesthetic for the highly anticipated cop drama.

This direct approach to filming in busy, public locations has become a major talking point in the media, as fans did not expect the production to move so heavily into real-world environments.