Spirit first look: Prabhas’ lean-mean physique, wounded back, and Triptii Dimri’s subservience remind fans of Animal

Prabhas and Triptii Dimri in the first poster of Spirit.

After teasing it all evening, Sandeep Reddy Vanga finally dropped the first look of his next film, cop drama Spirit, as soon as the clock struck 12 on New Year’s Day. Fans welcomed 2026 with the first poster of the film, featuring Prabhas and Triptii Dimri. However, many were quick to point out that it reminds them too much of Vanga’s last release, 2023 blockbuster family crime drama Animal.

In the visual, Prabhas is seen shirtless, with his back turned towards the camera. His back is all bruised and bandaged. However, that doesn’t stop him from consuming alcohol and cigarettes. He’s seen holding an alcohol bottle in one hand, while the other hand is placed stylishly on his waist. Tripti, wearing a grey sari, helps Prabhas light up a cigarette between his lips.

The response to the Spirit first poster on the internet has been quite polarizing. Several fans were in awe of Prabhas’ physical transformation, comparing his lean and mean avatar to how ripped he was in 2016 while filming SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster fantasy epic franchise Baahubali. “We’re getting peak prabhas physique in 2026,” wrote an X user.

However, many also pointed out how the first look is eerily similar to Animal’s second half, when Triptii meets and takes care of the wounded protagonist, played by Ranbir Kapoor. Her subservience to Prabhas (lighting up his cigarette) reminds them of the controversial scene when Ranbir’s Rannvijay Singh asks Triptii to kiss his shoes in order to prove her loyalty to him.

“I thought it was Ranbir Kapoor from Animal (crying emojis), expected better from you Vanga,” commented a user. “Same look BTW,” wrote another user, sharing a GIF of Ranbir smoking in Animal. “Another Animal (magnifying glass and fire emojis),” said a third person on X. The fact that Triptii starred in both the films doesn’t help the film’s case either.

An X user also claimed that Triptii looks like a better choice for the film than Deepika Padukone. She was initially attached to star opposite Prabhas, but opted out of the project months later because of her demand for an eight-hour work shift among other logistical concerns from the makers. Vanga was quick to offer the lead role to Triptii, who came onboard readily since she got her breakthrough with Animal.

Vivek Oberoi also has a key role in the film, which is slated to be released this year. It is a collaboration between Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures. Last year, in October, on Prabhas’ birthday, Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared the film’s audio teaser in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, revealing Prakash Raj and Vivek as key cast members.

The audio teaser suggested that Prabhas portrays an IPS officer who is currently behind bars. “Right from childhood, I have one bad habit,” the teaser ended with Prabhas’ line. Vivek, who will reportedly be seen as an antagonist, expressed excitement about the film via a post on X.

“#OneBadHabit is all it takes to get you #inspiritmode. And what a powerful ‘SOUND-STORY’ that was! Happy Birthday to the Rebel Star, #Prabhas! Hoping the surprise lifted your spirits! Super kicked about bringing this action to life with your unmatched magic @imvangasandeep,” he posted.