The tension between director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and actress Deepika Padukone has gained traction after reports emerged of her exit from Spirit starring Prabhas.
Deepika, a new mother, allegedly requested adjusted working hours, higher pay and a share in the film’s profits. Sandeep Reddy Vanga responded with a veiled but biting social media post accusing an unnamed actor — widely believed to be Deepika, of revealing parts of the script and engaging in “dirty PR games”.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga stirred a social media storm when he shared a cryptic post that many interpreted as directed at Deepika Padukone, following her departure from his upcoming film Spirit. In his message, the filmmaker expressed deep disappointment with an actor who, he claimed, violated the unspoken confidentiality that comes with story narration.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga suggested that sharing aspects of his film’s narrative and allegedly undermining a younger actor reflected poorly on the individual’s professionalism. He accused the person of playing manipulative publicity games and failing to understand the dedication and effort that go into filmmaking.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s tweet read, “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 ? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it. Aisa karo…. Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. #dirtyPRgames, I like this kahawath very much 🙂 खुंदक में बिल्ली खंबा नोचे !”
https://x.com/imvangasandeep/status/1927064054515867817
Although Sandeep Reddy Vanga did not mention Deepika by name, his words came shortly after reports confirmed that she would no longer be a part of the project. Insiders indicated that Deepika’s requirements such as limiting her working hours to eight per day, seeking a high salary and requesting a profit-sharing arrangement, were not acceptable to the director. Since becoming a mother, Deepika has reportedly been trying to balance her personal and professional lives, prompting her to step back from demanding film schedules.
This would have been Deepika’s second film with Prabhas after Kalki 2898 AD but with her exit, the production team quickly confirmed Triptii Dimri as her replacement. Triptii who has been steadily gaining acclaim in the industry shared her excitement on social media.
Posting the film’s title art in several languages, she expressed her gratitude to Sandeep Reddy Vanga for trusting her with the role and being part of his vision.
Let’s see whether Deepika Padukone will react to it or not.
