1 week ago
Fresh Claims Reignite Dispute Over Deepika’s Spirit Exit
A movie called Spirit has become the subject of a disagreement involving Deepika Padukone and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
One source said Deepika met Vanga only once.
The source said Vanga arrived late and shared only a very short idea instead of the full story.
It also claimed Deepika would not work with him because of his alleged views and filmmaking style.
Vanga’s brother, Pranay, gave a different explanation.
He said money, working hours and other matters were part of the disagreement.
He also alleged that Deepika asked for 10% of the movie’s profits.
Deepika has not publicly responded to that allegation.
Triptii Dimri later became the female lead opposite Prabhas.
A Hindustan Times source claimed Deepika Padukone met Sandeep Reddy Vanga only once and received only a one-line idea of Spirit.
The source alleged that Vanga arrived an hour late and said Deepika would not work with him because of his alleged misogynist nature.
Pranay Reddy Vanga said remuneration, working hours and other issues influenced the decision to replace Deepika in Spirit.
Pranay also alleged that Deepika sought 10% of Spirit’s profits, a claim she has not publicly addressed.
Triptii Dimri replaced Deepika opposite Prabhas, and Spirit is scheduled for release in March 2027.
- Who
- Deepika Padukone, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Prabhas and Triptii Dimri.
- What
- Conflicting reports have emerged about Deepika Padukone’s association with and departure from the film Spirit.
- Where
- When
- Deepika’s reported departure dates to April 2025; the controversy resurfaced in 2026, and Spirit is scheduled for March 2027.
- Why
- One source cited the lack of a full narration and Deepika’s alleged unwillingness to work with Vanga, while Pranay cited remuneration, working hours and an alleged demand for 10% of profits.
Insider’s Account
Pranay Reddy Vanga’s and Earlier Reports’ Account
Whether Deepika seriously considered Spirit
Insider’s Account
The source claimed Deepika received no full narration and that Spirit was never part of her consideration set.
Pranay Reddy Vanga’s and Earlier Reports’ Account
Pranay said Vanga had been in discussions with Deepika for approximately 18 months and had discussed the story and character with her; earlier reports described her as exiting the project.
Reason for Deepika’s departure
Insider’s Account
The source attributed the situation to Deepika’s alleged unwillingness to collaborate with Vanga because of his alleged misogynist nature.
Pranay Reddy Vanga’s and Earlier Reports’ Account
Pranay cited remuneration, timing, working hours and other factors, and separately alleged that Deepika demanded 10% of the film’s profits. Earlier reports focused on her request for an eight-hour workday.
What was disclosed during discussions
Insider’s Account
The source said only a one-line premise was discussed and that Deepika never received the complete story.
Pranay Reddy Vanga’s and Earlier Reports’ Account
Pranay said the story and character were discussed with Deepika and accused her of revealing internal details. Vanga later posted about an actor allegedly disclosing confidential information without naming that person.
Key facts
- Film
- Spirit
- Director
- Sandeep Reddy Vanga
- Reported meeting
- A source claimed Deepika Padukone and Vanga met only once.
- Narration claim
- The source said only a one-line idea was discussed and that Deepika did not receive the full film narration.
- Disputed financial claim
- Pranay Reddy Vanga alleged that Deepika sought 10% of Spirit’s profits.
- Working-hours issue
- Earlier reports said Deepika requested a fixed eight-hour workday after motherhood.
- Replacement
- Triptii Dimri replaced Deepika as the female lead opposite Prabhas.
- Planned release
- Spirit is scheduled to release in March 2027.
Quotes
An unnamed source close to the developments
A source cited by Hindustan Times regarding Deepika Padukone’s reported interaction with the Spirit filmmaker.
“Deepika Padukone has met Sandeep Reddy Vanga only once in her life. Not to mention, the filmmaker arrived a whole hour late to the meeting! Deepika handled the rest of the meeting professionally. In that meeting, only a one-liner of the film was shared. She didn't receive a full narration of the film. Deepika never commits to a project without receiving a full narration. So, Spirit was never part of Deepika's consideration set to begin with.”
NDTV
livemint.com
freepressjournal.in
“She demanded 10 per cent of the film's profit. Soon after, everything went overboard. See, she can ask for anything. If we are willing to give, we can give. But the economics (budget) should also work out for us. We thought that it was not working. This is why we thought of other options. Once we started looking for other options, they started leaking everything.”
NDTV
Sandeep Reddy Vanga
The director of Spirit, responding to the controversy on social media.
“I don't think what I am asking for is ridiculously unfair and I think only someone who has worked in the system enough will know the conditions that we work in. And I am saying this, if I may say so myself, a top star, so you can only imagine what the working conditions must be like for everyone else, for the crew, for example.”
NDTV
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you've 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are.... Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”
livemint.com
Sources
'Deepika Padukone Would Never Collaborate With A Filmmaker Like Vanga, Met Him Once In Life' : Report
Deepika Padukone would never work with ‘misogynist’ Sandeep Reddy Vanga; she never considered Spirit movie: Insider
Deepika Padukone Never Got Spirit Narration, Report Claims She Wouldn't Work With Sandeep Reddy Vanga Over His 'Misogynist Nature'
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