Chethan D’Souza reveals distinct action styles for Jr NTR’s ‘Dragon’ and Prabhas’ ‘Fauzi’

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Action director Chethan D’Souza, who recently choreographed the action sequences for Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’, is now working on two of the biggest upcoming films, Prashanth Neel and Jr NTR’s ‘Dragon’ and Hanu Raghavapudi’s ‘Fauzi’, starring Prabhas. He has now spoken about designing a different action style for each actor and why action needs more than scale and spectacle to leave an impact.

‘Dragon’ will feature realistic action for Jr NTR

Speaking to Variety India, Chethan D’Souza said the action in ‘Dragon’ will be different from the larger-than-life sequences seen in Prashanth Neel’s ‘KGF’ films. He explained that Jr NTR’s physicality and the nature of his character called for a more believable approach.“Prashanth Neel’s films, including ‘KGF’ and ‘KGF 2', sometimes feature larger-than-life action that suits the actors’ stature. That approach works with someone like Prabhas.

Here, Jr NTR’s physicality is different; he has toned down his physique and is playing an assassin, so the action must feel believable and relatable,” he said.He added that the team has developed a new action style that suits the ‘RRR’ star and his character while keeping its mass appeal.“We have redefined the action language to make it more convincing. The fights are realistic and suited to his character and physique, while still delivering crowd-pleasing impact.

‘Mass’ action doesn’t necessarily mean people flying through the air, slow-motion walks or jumps. It comes from a powerful moment created through storytelling and conveyed through action. That is the change we have made,” he said.

‘Fauzi’ will show Prabhas in a grounded action avatar

For the Prabhas starrer, D’Souza said the ‘Baahubali’ star will be seen in a grounded yet stylised action avatar. The sequences, he explained, will be driven by emotions and will also have suspense and surprises.“We have often seen him in larger-than-life action. Here, his action will be grounded and highly stylised, with strong emotions running through it. An isolated action sequence might work on YouTube as a demo reel, but within a film it must tell a story,” he said.

Chethan D’Souza brings martial arts into action choreography

D’Souza further said that Prabhas’ fighting style in ‘Fauzi’ will lean more towards physical combat with a stylised presentation.“The sequences I am designing have a strong emotional connection throughout, with moments of suspense and surprise in even the smallest details. His fighting style has also shifted towards physical combat with a more stylised approach. I have practiced martial arts for around 22 years and have a flair for it. I like to bring that into my choreography whenever it fits the director’s vision and the film’s needs,” he shared.Apart from ‘Dragon’ and ‘Fauzi’, Chethan D’Souza has also designed the action sequences for Suriya’s upcoming film ‘Scene’, directed by Jithu Madhavan.