The Indian film industry is no stranger to controversies, but the recent fallout between director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and actress Deepika Padukone over the highly anticipated film Spirit has ignited heated debates online. With Spirit starring pan-India superstar Prabhas, the project promised to be a cinematic spectacle. However, Deepika’s reported exit and the ensuing public spat have now taken center stage. Here’s a deep dive into what happened, why it matters, and what it means for Spirit and its fans.

The Background: Spirit and Its Star-Studded Cast

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, acclaimed for blockbusters like Kabir Singh and Animal, Spirit is an ambitious action thriller centered around Prabhas portraying a cop locked in a battle against a drug mafia. Initially, Deepika Padukone was confirmed as the female lead, creating buzz about a potential reunion after their onscreen chemistry in Kalki 2898 AD.

However, recent reports revealed that Deepika has exited the project, with Triptii Dimri stepping in as the new leading lady. This casting change, officially announced by Vanga on May 24, 2025, stirred speculation and polarized opinions across social media.

Why Did Deepika Padukone Exit Spirit?

The exact reasons behind Deepika’s departure remain unconfirmed by either party, but multiple reports suggest creative and professional differences.

• Work Schedule: Sources indicate Deepika requested an eight-hour workday (approximately six hours of shooting), which clashed with Vanga’s expectations for a demanding, high-octane action film.
• Remuneration: There were reportedly disagreements over pay, with Deepika allegedly seeking a hefty Rs 20–40 crore fee plus a share of the film’s profits.
• Content Concerns: Some reports mention discomfort with the film’s bold, A-rated content — including intense action and intimate scenes — as a possible factor.

Supporters of Deepika argue that her requests were reasonable, especially given her status as a new mother balancing professional commitments after welcoming her daughter Dua in September 2024. Industry insiders praised her professionalism and dedication during her 19-year career. Fans and commentators have criticized the narrative painting her as “unprofessional,” pointing to broader challenges faced by women in the industry.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Response: A Fiery Social Media Post

The controversy escalated when Vanga posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) on May 27, 2025, seemingly addressing Deepika without naming her. He accused an unnamed actor of violating an “unsaid NDA” by leaking story details and undermining a younger cast member, presumed to be Triptii Dimri. Vanga questioned the actor’s “feminism” and condemned what he described as “dirty PR games,” expressing frustration over the public mishandling of the situation.

His post included a Hindi proverb, “Khundak mein billi khamba noche” (a cat scratches the pole in frustration), highlighting his exasperation.

This sparked a divided response online. While some praised Vanga’s bold filmmaking style and choice to cast Triptii, others supported Deepika, viewing her demands as reasonable and highlighting the importance of work-life balance in the industry. The debate also raised broader conversations about gender dynamics, with Reddit users pointing to the challenges women face balancing motherhood and demanding careers.

Triptii Dimri Steps In: A New Chapter for Spirit

After Deepika’s exit, Triptii Dimri — who previously collaborated with Vanga on Animal — was confirmed as the new female lead. Vanga’s announcement on X was met with excitement, and Triptii expressed her gratitude on Instagram:

“Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey.”

Fans welcomed the casting warmly, with comments like “This is huge” and “Welcome to RebelWood,” expressing enthusiasm for her pairing with Prabhas. Triptii’s reported fee of Rs 4 crore, significantly lower than Deepika’s alleged demands, sparked speculation about whether budget considerations influenced the change.

Spirit is set to be an A-rated action drama packed with bold sequences, staying true to Vanga’s signature gritty storytelling. Filming is slated to begin in October 2025, aiming for a 2026 release. The film is backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, with Prabhas reportedly undergoing a physical transformation to portray a lean, intense cop.

Deepika Padukone’s Next Moves

Despite the Spirit controversy, Deepika remains a powerhouse in Indian cinema. She has signed on for director Atlee’s action drama opposite Allu Arjun, a major coup for the project. She is also slated for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, Love and War with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and King alongside Shah Rukh Khan, ensuring her presence in high-profile films. Fans remain confident she will navigate this setback gracefully, with one X user commenting:

“Deepika is still out here holding the line for herself and every woman.”

What’s Next for Spirit?

With Triptii Dimri on board, Spirit is moving forward as a major pan-India release. Vanga’s previous successes have set high expectations, but the controversy has raised questions about his casting decisions and management of creative differences.

There are rumors about other actresses, such as Rukmini Vasanth, being considered before Triptii’s confirmation, though no official confirmation has surfaced.

The incident has also brought to light deeper industry issues like pay disparity and the treatment of female actors. Deepika’s earlier comments about bridging remuneration gaps with male co-stars have resurfaced, fueling the debate further. As Spirit gears up for production, all eyes are on Vanga and his team to see how they navigate these challenges.

Conclusion: A Clash of Visions or Industry Realities?

The Sandeep Reddy Vanga–Deepika Padukone controversy highlights the intricate and often conflicting elements of filmmaking, where creative visions, professional demands, and personal priorities intersect.

While Vanga’s supporters laud his uncompromising style, Deepika’s fans view her stance as advocating for fair treatment in an industry that frequently undervalues women. With Triptii Dimri now leading Spirit, the ongoing debate continues to spark important conversations about gender, professionalism, and evolving dynamics in Indian cinema.

Stay tuned for updates on Spirit and Deepika Padukone’s upcoming projects. What are your thoughts on this controversy? Share your views in the comments below!