20 May,2026 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jr NTR (Picture via X fanpage)
Thousands of fans gathered outside Jr NTR's residence in Hyderabad on May 20 as the actor celebrated his 43rd birthday amid massive excitement surrounding the release of the first glimpse of his upcoming film Dragon. The celebrations quickly turned into a festive spectacle, with supporters cheering, dancing, and sharing birthday wishes while eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the star.
From early morning, fans reportedly gathered near the actor's home carrying posters, banners and flowers. Videos circulating on social media showed the crowd chanting slogans and celebrating the actor's birthday with loud music, cake-cutting ceremonies and dance performances. Several fan associations also organised charity initiatives, including blood donation drives and community service events, to mark the special occasion.
Amid tight security arrangements, Jr NTR eventually stepped out to greet the crowd. Dressed casually in a T-shirt and pants along with his signature beard look, the actor smiled, waved and acknowledged the thousands of supporters gathered outside his home. Fans erupted into loud cheers as videos of the interaction instantly went viral online. A fan even climbed the barricade to greet Jr NTR, while the actor's security pushed him down to prevent from any form of injuries. The crowd created a stampede like situation as they gathered in large numbers to greet their favourite actor.
The excitement around his birthday grew even bigger after the makers of Dragon unveiled the film's explosive first glimpse. Directed by Prashanth Neel, the teaser officially revealed the film's title and introduced Jr NTR in a rugged and intense avatar. The glimpse showcased him as a deadly assassin named Luger, operating in a violent world shaped by crime and conflict.
Set in 1967 against the backdrop of the opium trade, Dragon promises to be a gritty period-action drama packed with large-scale action and emotional conflict. The teaser also hinted at an intense rivalry involving gangs and law enforcement. Reports suggest veteran actor Anil Kapoor will play Raghuveer Rathod, the Chief of India's Narcotics Bureau.
Soon after the teaser dropped, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from fans calling the glimpse "pure goosebumps" and "mass madness incoming." Many praised Jr NTR's screen presence, while others described the actor-director collaboration as one of the most exciting combinations in Indian cinema right now.
Hashtags like HappyBirthdayNTR and Dragon began trending within minutes, with celebrities, fan clubs and film lovers across the country sharing birthday wishes and teaser reactions online.
The film, which also stars Rukmini Vasanth in a key role, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 11, 2027.
