Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga Explains Deepika Padukone’s Spirit Exit
Spirit is a movie starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
Deepika Padukone was once expected to play the main female role.
She later left the project and Triptii Dimri took her place.
Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga said the two sides disagreed about money, schedules, working hours and other contract details.
He also alleged that Padukone wanted 10 percent of the film’s profits.
Pranay further alleged that private information about the movie was leaked, but he did not provide specific evidence in the reports.
Padukone had previously defended reports that she wanted an eight-hour workday.
The film is scheduled to be released in eight languages on March 5, 2027.
Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga alleged that Deepika Padukone sought 10% of Spirit’s profits.
He said remuneration, scheduling, working hours and other contractual issues contributed to her departure.
Pranay said director Sandeep Reddy Vanga made the final decision to replace Padukone after alleged confidential-information leaks.
Triptii Dimri replaced Padukone as the female lead opposite Prabhas.
Don Lee was considered but not cast, while Prakash Raj is reportedly no longer part of Spirit.
- Who
- Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Deepika Padukone, Prabhas and Triptii Dimri are central to the casting dispute; Don Lee and Prakash Raj are connected to other reported casting changes.
- What
- Deepika Padukone left Spirit after reported disagreements over contractual terms and alleged leaks, and Triptii Dimri replaced her.
- When
- Discussions with Padukone reportedly continued for about 18 months; Spirit is scheduled for release on March 5, 2027.
- Where
- The producer made the claims in interviews with Telugu media, including NTV Telugu; the film’s story is described as rooted in Hyderabad.
- Why
- Pranay attributed the change to disagreements over remuneration, scheduling, working hours and an alleged 10% profit-share request, as well as alleged leaks of confidential information.
Makers’ Explanation
Padukone’s Position and Unverified Claims
Contractual terms
Makers’ Explanation
Pranay Reddy Vanga said remuneration, timing, working-hour limits and an alleged 10% profit request made the proposed arrangement unsuitable for the film’s economics.
Padukone’s Position and Unverified Claims
Padukone had previously defended the reported eight-hour workday, arguing that female actors should also be able to set similar boundaries. The reports do not include her response to the profit-share allegation.
Confidential information
Makers’ Explanation
Pranay alleged that details about Spirit and Padukone’s character were disclosed after the makers began considering other actresses, disturbing the team and contributing to Sandeep’s decision.
Padukone’s Position and Unverified Claims
The alleged leaks were not independently substantiated in the reports, and Padukone has not publicly responded to the latest claims.
Don Lee’s possible casting
Makers’ Explanation
Pranay said Don Lee was considered because of online interest but was not cast because a South Korean actor did not feel organic in a story rooted in Hyderabad; he said budget was not the issue.
Padukone’s Position and Unverified Claims
Online speculation had generated substantial interest in Don Lee playing an antagonist opposite Prabhas, but the reports do not identify a formal public position from the actor or his representatives.
- Film
- Spirit
- Lead actor
- Prabhas
- New female lead
- Triptii Dimri replaced Deepika Padukone.
- Alleged profit request
- Pranay Reddy Vanga claimed Padukone sought 10% of the film’s profits.
- Reported disagreements
- The producer cited remuneration, scheduling, working hours and other contractual issues.
- Leak allegation
- Pranay alleged that private details about the film and Padukone’s character were disclosed; the reports say he provided no specific evidence.
- Release plans
- Spirit is slated to release in eight languages on March 5, 2027.
