Tovino Thomas was initially being considered for a kickass role in Dragon, the big budget film starring Jr. NTR and directed by Prashanth Neel. The project has been generating strong excitement, especially with reports that Tovino might play the main villain.
But here’s the heartbreaking news.
Tovino has now himself confirmed that he is no longer part of the film, and the reason is quite simple, date issues. Because of delays in the shooting schedule, the film now requires a long and continuous block of dates, which he could not adjust in his calendar.
He also explained this a bit more clearly by talking about how different industries work. In Malayalam cinema, films are usually shot in one stretch and wrapped up quickly. This helps actors move on to their next project without much delay. But in big Telugu films like Dragon, the shooting happens in multiple schedules spread over a long time. That makes it difficult for someone like Tovino, who prefers a more structured workflow.
He pointed out that committing to a film like this would mean blocking a large chunk of his time. In that period, he would have to let go of several Malayalam projects. Since he prefers to focus on one film at a time rather than juggling multiple shoots, taking up Dragon would have disrupted his usual way of working.
At the same time, he made it clear that he is not against doing Telugu films. He is open to working in other industries, but only if the schedules are tighter and more manageable.
Tovino stepping out is definitely a loss for the film, especially given the buzz around his role. Witnessing a powerhouse performer like Tovino Thomas against NTR would have been a treat for the audiences. But it has become challenging for actors to balance projects across industries that follow completely different shooting styles and timelines.
Meanwhile, Dragon is still moving ahead, even with a lot of delays and without Tovino Thomas.
