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Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga remain at the centre of controversy over the film Spirit, with an old dispute surrounding the actress’s exit from the project resurfacing after fresh allegations from Sandeep’s brother, Pranay Reddy Vanga.
In a recent interview, Pranay discussed the reasons behind Deepika’s departure, claiming that disagreements arose over remuneration, working hours, profit-sharing and other project-related matters.
According to Pranay, Deepika had sought higher remuneration as well as a share of the film’s profits. He claimed that she had asked for 10 percent of the profits. While acknowledging that she was entitled to make such a demand, he said the filmmakers also had to consider the project’s budget and financial viability.
Pranay said the discussions eventually reached a point where the makers felt the terms were not workable and decided to explore other options.
He further alleged that after the team began considering alternatives, information about the film started emerging publicly. Pranay claimed that the filmmakers had been discussing the story and Deepika’s character with her for more than a year, and that some details from those conversations later appeared in the public domain.
According to him, this upset the team and added another layer to the disagreement. He also stressed that the issue was not simply about an additional Rs 5-6 crore in remuneration.
Following Deepika’s exit, Tripti Dimri was announced as her replacement, intensifying public interest in the controversy surrounding the film.
The dispute resurfaced further after reports about Spirit featuring “A-rated action” emerged. Sandeep Reddy Vanga subsequently expressed his anger on X over allegations that details of the film’s story had been leaked.
Spirit, starring Prabhas and Tripti Dimri, is currently scheduled to hit theatres in March 2027.