Prabhas, Imanvi’s period film Fauzi confirmed to release in two parts — director Hanu Raghavapudi explains why

Prabhas takes on a larger-than-life period saga

Prabhas is once again at the centre of a high-stakes, big-screen spectacle. The actor, known for his pan-Indian appeal and recent hits, headlines Fauzi, a period drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. The film was officially unveiled earlier this year with a striking first-look poster that hinted at a British-era setting and a heroic, soldierly persona for Prabhas. Fans and trade-watchers have followed the project closely because it marks a fresh collaboration between the superstar and a director praised for layered storytelling.

Fauzi will be released in two parts — what the makers announced

In a development that reshapes expectations around the project, the makers have now confirmed that Fauzi will be released as a two-part cinematic saga. Director Hanu Raghavapudi and the production team say the decision comes from the sheer scale of the story and the world they’re building — material that couldn’t be contained within a single film. The second instalment has been described as exploring “another dimension” of the narrative, and the team has even hinted that the follow-up will function as a prequel to the main storyline.

Why two parts? Hanu Raghavapudi’s reasoning

Hanu Raghavapudi has explained that Fauzi is not just a single character arc but a sprawling universe that demands space to breathe. According to his statements, the film’s first part introduces one version of Prabhas’ character and the world he inhabits. The second part, meanwhile, will expand the canvas by revealing background, motivations, and events that reframe what audiences saw initially. Making two films allows the director to balance scale with emotional depth — delivering spectacle without sacrificing character-driven storytelling. This creative reasoning guided the decision more than commercial thinking, the director indicated.

What we know about the story and setting

Available reports describe Fauzi as a fictionalised retelling set in the 1940s colonial period, with Prabhas playing a soldier linked to the Azad Hind Force. The film reimagines that era with a mix of historical texture and cinematic invention — a “wishful and heroic” interpretation rather than a documentary-style recreation. The title poster, production notes and interviews suggest the team aims to blend action, patriotism and intimate character moments, creating an epic that can justify a two-part release.

Imanvi: the female lead making her big-screen debut

Opposite Prabhas is Imanvi (credited variously as Imanvi Ismail or Iman Esmail in different reports), a Los Angeles–based dancer, choreographer and social-media personality who is making her big-screen debut. Imanvi has been in the news for her casting and for recent on-set moments with Prabhas — including a now-viral thank-you post after the star treated co-actors to a home-cooked meal. The casting of a fresh face opposite such an established actor signals the makers’ intent to pair mass appeal with new talent.

What a two-part release means for audiences and box-office

For audiences, a two-part release is both an invitation and a commitment. It promises a larger, more layered story — but it also asks viewers to return for the second chapter. From a box-office perspective, splitting the narrative can extend the film’s lifecycle: the first film builds momentum and curiosity; the second resolves it, sometimes exploring backstory or parallel events (as in the case of a prequel). The creative advantage is clear: the filmmakers can pace revelations and design more ambitious sequences without rushing the narrative. That said, success will depend on how well the first instalment connects with viewers and whether the second chapter delivers fresh value rather than rehashing material.

Release timeline and production status

Production updates so far indicate an active shoot schedule in Hyderabad and other locations, with the team releasing promotional material and first looks earlier in the year. Industry reports have speculated about target release windows — one notable mention places a potential release for the first part in August 2026 — but official dates may still be finalised. The makers have emphasised that quality and scale are priorities, which often means timelines stay flexible until post-production demands are fully assessed. Readers should treat specific dates as provisional until Mythri Movie Makers or the team issues a formal schedule.

What to watch for next

If you follow Fauzi because of Prabhas, these are the immediate things to watch for:

• Official release dates from the producers, which will confirm the two-part schedule.
• Teasers and trailers that show how the narrative split works in practice — whether the second film indeed functions as a prequel or runs in parallel.
• More details about Imanvi’s character and supporting cast, which will shape expectations about the film’s emotional core.
• Behind-the-scenes and production updates that reveal how the director will balance historical texture with cinematic invention.

Final take: a bold move for a large-scale story

Announcing Fauzi as a two-part film is a bold creative move that signals confidence in the story’s scale and in Prabhas’ ability to anchor an expansive saga. Hanu Raghavapudi’s explanation frames the decision as artistically driven: the world they’ve built demands two films to be told properly. For fans of Prabhas, and for viewers who enjoy historical epics with character-first storytelling, Fauzi promises to be an ambitious ride — one that asks audiences to invest their time and attention across two chapters. As always with large projects, the execution will determine whether the payoff matches the promise.

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