Overview
- Tovino Thomas, speaking in Hyderabad on Tuesday during Pallichattambi promotions, confirmed he is not joining the Jr NTR film because he could not set aside the long dates required.
- Following Tuesday's headlines, he clarified on Wednesday that his remarks were misread, saying he left because he does not multitask, expressed respect for Prashanth Neel, and wished the film well.
- The production remains active, with the film’s official accounts promoting a June 2026 theatrical release even as the widely used title Dragon has not been confirmed.
- He explained that Telugu pan-India shoots often stretch across many months in staggered blocks, while Malayalam films typically finish in one continuous schedule, which conflicts with how he works.
- The makers have not announced replacement casting, and Thomas now turns to near-term Malayalam releases Pallichattambi on April 10 and Athiradi on May 14.