Spirit first poster released: Vanga repeats his old playbook
The first poster of Spirit, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film starring Prabhas, has triggered intense discussion across social media, with audiences sharply divided over its visual messaging. Released as a New Year reveal, the poster showcases Prabhas in a rugged, injured state, holding a glass of alcohol, while Triptii Dimri is seen lighting his cigarette, a moment that has become the focal point of both admiration and criticism.
In the image, Prabhas appears bruised and bandaged, suggesting a character who has endured physical trauma. However, instead of depicting recovery or restraint, the poster shows him consuming alcohol, reinforcing the image of a self-destructive, aggressive protagonist. Critics point out that even after being injured, the character chooses alcohol over rest, a portrayal that once again romanticizes reckless behavior rather than questioning it.
Triptii Dimri’s presence in the poster has also come under scrutiny. She is positioned lighting the cigarette for the wounded hero, a visual that some observers have described as resembling a paadacharini, someone devotedly attending to a superior figure. For many, this imagery recalls the gender dynamics seen in Vanga’s earlier films Arjun Reddy and Animal, where female characters often revolve around the male protagonist’s emotional or physical needs rather than existing as equals.
The poster has led to a growing sentiment that little has changed in Vanga’s cinematic approach. Known for his unapologetic portrayal of flawed, volatile men, the filmmaker once again appears to lean into familiar tropes, glorifying anger, addiction, and emotional dominance. While fans argue that this is Vanga’s signature style and should be viewed as character exploration rather than endorsement, critics counter that repetition without reflection risks reinforcing problematic narratives.
Supporters of the film, however, have praised the poster’s raw intensity and Prabhas’ transformation, calling it a bold and unapologetic first look. They believe Spirit could be a deep psychological drama that examines the cost of violence and obsession, rather than merely celebrating it. Many fans also see the collaboration between Prabhas and Vanga as a high-stakes pairing that promises a powerful cinematic experience.
Still, the early response suggests that Spirit is entering public discourse with baggage, not just anticipation, but skepticism shaped by the director’s past work. With plot details still under wraps, the poster alone has reopened conversations around masculinity, representation, and repetition in mainstream cinema.
Whether Spirit will challenge these perceptions or reinforce them remains to be seen. For now, the first poster makes one thing clear: Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s cinema continues to provoke, and polarize, audiences long before the film reaches theatres.
