In a surprising turn of events, Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has reportedly exited director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit. It also stars Prabhas in the lead. While no official statement has been released from the actress or the production house. And several industry sources claim that financial disagreements were at the heart of the fallout.
Was It About the Money?
According to Hindustan Times reports, Deepika Padukone demanded a fee of ₹25 crore for approximately 35 days of work. And also an addition to a 10% share in the film’s profits. Her request also allegedly included a dedicated entourage. And a working schedule of only 8 hours per day to accommodate her personal responsibilities, especially as she prepares for motherhood.
While such demands may not seem unusual for a top-tier actress, they reportedly did not sit well with the production team, particularly considering the film’s high-budget, pan-India scale.
Language Barrier & Creative Disagreements
Another point of conflict was Deepika’s alleged reluctance to deliver dialogues in Telugu, despite the film being largely targeted at the Telugu-speaking audience. Sources say this may have contributed to concerns about authenticity and regional appeal, leading the makers to reconsider her role in the project.
Director’s Cryptic Reaction Adds Fuel to Fire
Soon after reports of Deepika’s exit surfaced, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga posted a cryptic message on social media criticizing “dirty PR games” and “belittling younger talent.” While he didn’t name Deepika, fans quickly connected the dots, adding to the drama surrounding her departure.
Triptii Dimri Steps In
With the departure of Deepika, rising star Triptii Dimri—who gained popularity from Animal—has reportedly stepped in as the female lead. The film remains on schedule and is expected to begin production soon.
Industry Divided Over Deepika’s Demands
The controversy has sparked debates across Bollywood. Some insiders believe Deepika’s expectations are fair for her stature, while others argue such demands disrupt film economics. Notably, director Mani Ratnam came forward in support of Deepika, saying such negotiations highlight a growing conversation around fair compensation and working conditions in Indian cinema.
Whether justified or not, Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit has set off a bigger conversation around artist rights and professionalism in the industry.
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